Tech for Admin Tasks

Meditation and Self Care

I feel as though I have a pretty good handle on my communication skills when it comes to productivity and organization. I use apps that help me share calendars both personal and work related. I am also an avid list maker. For me, what gets in the way of all of this are those little stressors that you just can’t get out of your head. The ones that make it hard for you to accomplish tasks or interfere with time management.

I wanted to explore a little bit more into guided meditation, even if for only a few minutes and see if it could help in both my work and professional life. Could it really help me stop and focus and re-organize by thinking process in order to be more productive in my day-to-day life?

Knowledge

To begin, I researched some of the top meditation apps on the market. Unfortunately, what I quickly realized was that the free download was quickly followed by a free week trial and a subscription service. Apps like Headspace and Simple Habit, while set up for quick and specific needs for meditation did not have many option for free sessions. The app, Calm on the other hand was an Editor’s pick on iTunes and has some great benefits for teachers! With a few one minute demo sessions, you can get a feel for what the app offers. This year Calm also began a teacher initiative supplying a one year free membership to teachers in a Kindergarten-Grade 12 classroom. With this being said, currently there is a wait on this if you do not already have it, but they offer a great pamphlet on how to incorporate meditation in and out of the classroom with all of the same benefits of adult mediation time. Check out the link below! 

http://cdn.calm.com/documents/teachers-onboarding-manual.pdf

Application

With stressors from home-life overlapping with teaching and vis-a-versa, my commute to and from work typically consist of me listening to podcasts or music to unwind and focus on being present for the next part of my day. With this app, I have been able to open it, select my desired outcome, the voice style and download it for traveling. I can take small breaks and listen to these guided meditations to help focus on by breathing, managing stress and helping to stay on track. There are options for sleep aides for when your mind is racing and calming music to put on when doing work. There are many options that are specific to your meditation needs whether it is focused on emotional or management needs. Bringing headphones into work with me has also allowed me to take a moment for myself when I need a reset too.

Reflection

I don’t know about you, but daily stressors can build up inside of me as the day progresses, until I eventually can’t take it and it affects my productivity. I have been able to use this app for those moments when I just need to help myself feel better. It’s pictures, sound effects and easy to find guided meditation topics are organized and efficient. It can be hard for me to make myself stop over-thinking but since using this app for a week now, I have been able to be more present and less stressed throughout the day and what is most important to me, more present with my family at home when the work day is done!