Here's a list of resources that I have found to be so comforting and helpful as I carry out my duties as a busy, traveling FLES teacher. Try one or them all, and I promise that you'll feel less stressed, tense, and sore at the end of the hectic work day.
SATORI VOCAL RESCUE
Formulated as a refreshing liquid, SATORI Vocal Rescue provides a positive
response to the effects simple over-use. People like us who require the utmost
vocal comfort and clarity possible benefit from regular use of SATORI Vocal Rescue.
One advantage is that this product can be used as needed.
(See also "Chattervox" below.)
AUBREY ORGANICS SPARKLING MINERAL WATER HERBAL COMPLEXION MIST
Not only does this product hydrate the skin, but a few sprays on your face
physically refresh you immensely at the beginning, middle, or end of the
day. I keep a bottle in my cart for hot temperature days or for when I need
a cooling pick-me-up. The herbal fragrance is light and very pleasant.
SPENCO ARCH CUSHIONS
A simple, thin cushion of air soothes the feet throughout the day and
minimizes feet aching at the end of the day.
BURT'S BEES COCONUT FOOT CREME
This cream is so comforting with a refreshing fragrance to replenish and
revive your feet.
REPUBLIC OF TEA
Brew yourself a cup of either of these teas -- the ultimate! There are caffeinated
and non-decaf varieties as well as an extensive and beneficial green tea
selection. Please consider purchasing the Fair Trade items to help low-paid workers
and farmers in other countries as well as organic varieties to helpl the environment.
EMOTIONS ANONYMOUS
Unresolved emotional difficulties may be the real root of your physical and
psychological difficulties on the job or at home. Emotions Anonymous (EA),
a twelve-step program, has helped many people deal positively with such diverse
feelings of depression, anger, broken or strained relationships, grief, anxiety, low
self-esteem, panic, abnormal fears, resentment, jealousy, guilt, despair, fatigue,
tension, boredom, loneliness, withdrawal, obsessive and negative thinking, worry,
compulsive behavior, and a variety of other emotional issues. There are groups all
over the world and online ones as well. The well-written literature offered by this
thirty-plus year old organization provides "between-meeting" reinforcement of the
principles for healthy everyday living within family circles and places of employment.
CHATTERVOX
A portable amplifier for your voice -- just like the pop singers have for stage shows!
A colleague of mine (a former opera singer) swears that this mechanical device
will preserve your precious vocal cords until you retire from FLES teaching.
ChatterVox is an excellent device for boosting volume. Student comprehension
is directly related to how well a student can hear the teacher. Teachers with low
volume benefit from daily use of the ChatterVox. Teachers with large classrooms
or a large number of students benefit from the added volume. Teachers who are
suffering from common cold symptoms, allergies, or laryngitis also benefit from
the ChatterVox.
TIPS ON HANDLING STRESS
Here are two lists of tried-and-true "handling stresss" tips to keep you from burning
out as a teacher. Choose one to try every couple of weeks. I'm sure that you will see
an improvement in your attitude and teaching as well (just like I did).
P.S. DE-STRESS BY TAKING UP KNITTING (AGAIN)!
I can't tell you how relaxing it is to sit and knit! This increasingly popular craft is extremely portable and gives you a sensory experience and creative outlet simultaneously. There
are more and more beginning kntting classes offered as well as knitting circles for
everyone -- men and women and young and old (like me!) alike. First, visit your local yarn
store and then explore my knitting pages to get motiviated! Knitting is not just for
Grandma anymore!
"MORE OR LESS" TO THINK ABOUT ...
LESS junk food, MORE nutrients.
LESS car trips, MORE exercise.
LESS sweets, MORE weight loss.
LESS possessions, MORE space.
LESS self-pity, MORE happiness.
LESS presents, MORE appreciation.
LESS waste, MORE conservation.
LESS TV, MORE conversation.
