Sometimes it feels like you’re just running around all day and next thing you know, dismissal announcements come on.

Did I eat lunch today? 

Have I drank any water at all or just 4 cups of coffee? 

When was the last time I used the bathroom???

We all know we should be “doing” less and reflecting more (or at the very least remembering to use the bathroom from time to time!). After all, during summer when we have more time and energy to focus, reflect and plan we are super effective, relaxed and hydrated! But when in a typical administrator’s day is there time to just breathe or decompress much less reflect?

Between the runaway kiddo and the cafeteria duty?! 

Between covering a class with a late sub and handling a student conflict in the gym?!

But seriously, here are 3 simple ways to proactively give yourself space to show up centered, clear-headed and positive for your students, staff and families in as little as 1 minute per day:

1. Moment of silence (1 min)

All public schools are required to have a moment of silence. Most of them do this during their morning announcements. This can be a beautiful time to pause, set intention for the day, or start off with a grateful heart. Instead of letting your mind race to the next thing you need to do after announcements, take a moment to truly pause. Close your eyes (yes even if you are in a meeting at the time!), take a deep breathe through your nose. When your belly and lungs are full, pause, then sip a tiny bit more air through your nose. Slowly release the air through your mouth. Or simply notice how the air feels coming in and out of your nostrils as you breath. If your school doesn’t have a moment of silence, suggest that you incorporate one!

2. Hold the keys (2 min)

Before you get out of the car when you get to work in the morning or home in the evening, take the keys out of the car and hold them in both of your hands in your lap. Close your eyes, feel their weight in your lap. Feel your feet on the floorboard. Both heels and all 10 toes. Feel your sits bones resting on the car seat. Feel the seat behind you supporting your back, neck and head. Allow your shoulders to drop. Unclench your jaw. Take a deep breath, and as you exhale let all of your body’s weight rest on the car seat and floorboards. Leave anything there that you don’t want to take with you into work or home. 

3. Clear the decks (5 min)

Pack up all the things you’ll need to take home and clean off your desk every afternoon before dismissal starts. That way, once dismissal is over, you return to a blank slate and can sit down, breathe, and reflect in a journal or app for 5-10 mins without feeling like you should be doing one more thing before you leave. If you have meetings after dismissal, leave only the items you’ll need for those meetings out and organized. 

Have you tried any of these 3 strategies? Which one worked best for you?

Let me know in the comments below!