Teachers are tired! There's no other way to put it. Our basic needs often go unmet throughout the day thanks to the pace of learning, the amount of tiny humans we are singlehandedly responsible for, and our own personal lives that demand so much from us. Our workload continues to increase and our pay does not even attempt to match the burden. We have papers to grade, people to see, places to be, social lives, family obligations, bills to pay, and a partridge in a pear tree. So it is really not too shocking that the tiny piece of consistency that I crave and reward myself with would be my bed.
After a grueling day of juggling lesson plans, managing classroom chaos, and navigating the minefield of administrative tasks, there's nothing quite like collapsing into the warm embrace of my queen-size pillow-top bed. It's my sanctuary where I can finally let go of the day's stressors and sink into a world of comfort and tranquility. My comfortable little oasis is the perfect place to thumb through social media , answer emails, catch up on group texts and the my candy crush addiction.
However, there's a catch. You see, my bed is more than just a piece of furniture—it's a magnet for my exhaustion, a beacon of comfort that I can't resist. Our relationship has become, dare I say, toxic. Once I am in my bed's warm embrace, all other responsibilities fade away. Life continues down the road but I have gotten off at the previous bus stop. It's a relationship built on my need for rest and my bed's irresistible promise of solace personal responsibilities be damned.
Is it wrong to check out? Is it wrong to choose to divest from reality for a few hours and put my comfort first? The oversized windows in my bedroom let in just the right amount of sunshine, casting a golden glow that dances across my room and onto the soft, inviting sheets. They call to me and I am too weak to resist. These are not just any sheets; they are luxurious, high-thread-count sheets that feel like a gentle hug. It's as if my bed has been waiting all day just for me, ready to offer solace from the exhausting realities of being a teacher, a friend, a cancer survivor, an entrepreneur, and, quite frankly, a human being in today's fast-paced world.
As I snuggle under the covers, the weight of the blankets provides a sense of security and calm. It’s a cocoon of warmth that shields me from the relentless demands of everyday life; a place where I can dream, reflect, and recharge. Here, I can finally breathe, let my mind wander, and just be. There's something almost magical about this time spent in bed. As I lay, I begin to wonder "Is my relationship with my bed toxic?, or could it be my relationship with the significance of rest?".
The more time I spend in bed, the more I realize I'm avoiding the world outside. I'm avoiding the never-ending to-do list, the piles of ungraded papers, and the social obligations that feel more like chores. My bed has become a refuge, yes, but it's also become an escape. And not always in a good way.
I want to rest effectively. I want to enjoy my little slice of heaven without the feeling of guilt and without letting life pass me by. So I will challenge myself to resting effectively. Without answering emails, or making to-do lists. Without throwing off my sleeping pattern. I will rest and take what I need from my bed, but remember that all good things must come to an end. I will make the space I need, and take the space I deserve.
In this space, I’m free to indulge in the little luxuries that make life bearable. Whether it's reading a chapter of a good book, sipping on a cup of herbal tea, or simply closing my eyes and letting the day's worries drift away, my bed is and will continue to be the ultimate refuge.
Although my bed remains number one, I will see that same refuge through activities like taking a walk, journaling, pilates, and even picking up a new hobby. Balance is key to avoiding that toxic sleepy girl cycle I love so much.
It’s easy to understand why, in the face of burnout and exhaustion, I often find myself spending more time there than anywhere else. The relentless pace of modern life, coupled with the unique challenges of teaching, leaves little room for self-care. Our culture glorifies busyness, often at the expense of our well-being. But in these quiet moments, nestled in the comfort of my bed, I can reclaim a bit of sanity and peace.
Let’s be real: Americans, in general, are tired. The hustle culture has us all running on fumes, and it’s no wonder we seek solace in our beds. For teachers, the fatigue is even more pronounced. We pour so much of ourselves into our work, often at the cost of our own health and happiness. The classroom demands our energy, attention, and patience, leaving us with precious little to spare by the end of the day.
That’s why I unapologetically embrace my bed as a sanctuary. It's not about laziness or a lack of motivation; it’s about survival and self-care. In these moments of rest, I am not just recharging my physical body but also nurturing my soul. The softness of the sheets, the warmth of the blankets, and the gentle glow of the sunlight remind me that it’s okay to slow down and take a moment for myself.
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