The Neuroscience Behind Self-Awareness: Key to Educator Wellness and Student Success
- Crystal Tomlinson
- Aug 27, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 30, 2024
Hey, Busy teacher and dedicated human! Let's have a heart-to-heart. ❤️
Ever feel like your brain is on overdrive, juggling a million things at once, - engaging lessons, student needs, endless paperwork? I hear you. But here is something you might not have thought about: that little thing called self-awareness could be your wellness weapon to carry you on to the next level.
Now I know what you're thinking. "Self-Awareness? That sounds like just another buzzword." But hang tight because we're about to dive into some brain science that will help you see why understanding yourself is key to keeping your sanity and boosting student success. This post is more of a back-to-basics vibe since the simplest things can make the biggest shifts. It's definitely what helped me level up personally and professionally.
The Brainy Side of Self-Awareness
Ok, let's break it down. What's going on in your brain when you are intuned with your thoughts and emotions? Well, it all starts in the pre-frontal cortex - aka the brain's control center. This area is like the "what would grandma do" vibe. The wise, chill, rational, experienced guide that helps you do things like make decisions and stay cool under pressure. The magic of self-awareness lives here and gets stronger with routine practice.
We can't forget about the amygdala though "the big brother watchdog vibe". Always looking out for threats (like that looming deadline). Remember...it does not pick and choose. Full activation mode with any danger (stress). Enter self-awareness to talk it off the ledge and get it to STFU. When we teach our brain to recognize, we can then regulate.
Why Should You Care?
Here's the deal: when you know what is going on in your head, you're better equipped to handle what the day throws at you. Imagine being able to spot the stress before it knocks you flat or have the emotional savvy to navigate that tricky classroom moment without "matching the freak." Sounds good right?
Stress Reduction:
Knowing when you're getting overwhelmed, means you can hit pause, take a breath, and tackle the problem with a clearer mind - less end-of-the-day meltdowns or zone outs. If you're thinking, "duh...this is not new" I pose a question: Do you do it? Have you done it?
When you start to feel it then you no longer need to be told to do it.
Emotional Regulation:
Being in touch with emotions means you can manage them instead of them managing you. It's like having a built-in reset button for those days when nothing seems to go right.
Better Relationships:
Students pick up on your vibe. If you're less reactive, they'll be more likely to mirror that. Plus, self-awareness helps you connect with your students on a deeper level, building trust and creating a more supportive classroom environment
How To Start Flexing Your Self-Awareness Muscles:
Mindful Moments: quick 5 minutes to sit with yourself. How are you feeling? What's on your mind? Maybe your current routine needs a re-fresh like an affirmation or visualization boost.
Some Type of Journaling: PLEASE! If you follow along, you know how I feel about this. It works, even for the skeptic. Have you checked out the new Journal app on all iPhones??
Daily Check-In: Have some questions you ask throughout the day. How am I doing right now?, Do I need something right now?
Modeling Self-Awareness: The End Game
When you've gained more of that self-awareness mojo, it's time to pass on the goods! And you know I don't shut up about modeling 😉 Try some of these.
Teach Emotion Words: Help students label emotions. The more they can name it the more they can tame it. You might already do some type of check-in but do you provide any instruction on the emotions, what they look, sound, and feel like? Emotional awareness makes for great simple games like Headbands or Would You Rather. Do you label your emotions for students? You know I got you on this!
I feel _______ because ________ and I might need _____________.
Lead By Example: Share your thought process with your students. Maybe "I'm feeling a bit stressed, so I'm going to take a breath break and think this through." You'll be teaching them a valuable skill without doing anything. I loved it when students started noticing and labeling my emotions providing that much-needed prompt. You're not being vulnerable you're being human when you do this.
Incorporate SEL: Be sure self-awareness is a part of your SEL routine. Some examples:
Role-Playing Scenarios: Identify and express emotions through real-life problem-solving
Check-Ins: Wheels are fun, Google Forms are great, and morning meetings work.
Example of what students need to hear and what can open the dialogue: "Today, I'm feeling a bit anxious because we have a test later. How about you?"
Guided Meditations: You can use apps like Headspace or Calm to lead a simple exercise that only takes a few times to get over the awkwardness.
Example: "Let's take a few minutes to breathe deeply and notice any tension in our bodies. As we exhale, imagine that tension melting away.
Let's Wrap This Up
Again, self-awareness isn't putting more on your plate. It's actually just thinking about what you already do, leading to thinking before what you do. What do you get? A better result. It's not just a trendy term; it doesn't have to be additional. It's a game-changer for your wellness and your student's success.
Challenge Yourself:
Which part of your brain feels in charge today?
What are your go-to strategies for when your amygdala takes the wheel? Do you need some?
How often do you feel emotionally drained at work?🧠
What main emotions do you feel throughout the day?
Remember...the little things do matter so let's stay well together. ✨
Mindfully Yours,
Crystal @MsTtalks
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