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Talking Myself Down

 Today, I reached out for help. I posted on Threads and set up the situation: teacher, neurodivergent, overstimulated for several days with no end in sight. Also, that I don't really have a second to myself for the foreseeable future, so what's a strategy that can fit into any of that? Then, I asked for ideas on how to regulate myself. In total, there were 5 responses. Two gave me options to try that I thought could work, three others gave me what I consider "neurotypical advice": exercise, dress in comfy clothes, be outside, tell myself "I want to have fun too!", make a list of things you are grateful for, and so on. 

So, a 54321 list adapted for my brain. Maybe not "grateful", but positive vibes.

5 bright spots in my day:

  1. How relaxed our grade-level meeting felt
  2. A compliment from another teacher that had nothing to do with teaching
  3. A student referencing the handout I gave them before asking a clarifying question
  4. A "lunch and learn" that caused me to think about how I utilize technology in a meaningful way
  5. Seeing my dog when my husband picked me up from work

4 events I'm looking forward to:

  1. Seeing friends tomorrow to celebrate a birthday
  2. Going home and sleeping in my own bed (instead of my brother-in-law's couch)
  3. DC Tulip Day
  4. St. Patrick's Day events next Saturday

3 tasks I'm looking forward to completing

  1. Our family Sunday Summit meeting conversation and shopping list
  2. Having the dog be clean (he will hate us giving him a bath, but we will appreciate the after effects)
  3. Looking at our AAC's slides that I am SO excited to do!

2 things I am appreciative of:

  1. Calm music playlists
  2. My computer and phone connecting to wifi immediately

1 way I'm going to give myself grace

  1. Understand the pressure, while my fault for not staying on top of tasks, is not forever. I will catch up and we will move forward.

Comments

  1. MschiubookaMarch 7, 2026 at 11:19 AM

    Sending positive vibes to you this weekend. I too feel the crush of demands, and your slice is a reminder to regulate and breathe- 5-4-3-2-1…

    ReplyDelete

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