AVOIDING BURNOUT: Self-Care is Not a Luxury, It’s the Key to Longevity
by Dr Jaclyn Normandie
As music educators, we devote much of ourselves to the success and well-being of our students. We invest countless hours, energy, and passion into guiding their growth, helping them navigate both the technical and emotional aspects of music and life. However, in this process, we often neglect the most essential part of the equation…ourselves.
The demands of teaching can be overwhelming, and the emotional weight of nurturing young minds can leave us feeling incredibly drained. Therefore, caring for your personal health cannot be viewed as a frivolous luxury, it must be viewed a crucial component of our career longevity.
The foundation of a sustainable teaching practice is built upon our ability to care for our own mental, emotional, and physical well-being. By extension, we are then able to better hold the container education within our classrooms for our students. This is where mindfulness becomes invaluable.
Mindfulness, as I discuss in my book The Mindful Musician, is a powerful tool for educators to reconnect with the present moment. It encourages us to observe our
thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without judgment. In the context of teaching, this practice allows us to become more aware of when we are feeling stressed and avoid burn out. With this awareness, we can take intentional steps to care for ourselves before feelings of bitter resentment take over.
Beyond mindfulness, self-care is an essential practice for every music teacher. We often tell our students to practice regularly and take care of their instruments, but how often do we remind ourselves to care for our own well-being? Caring your yourself does not have to be extravagant or time-consuming. It can be as simple as setting aside time to read, engage in hobbies, or spend time with loved ones. It is about creating space for relaxation and joy so we can recharge and refuel.
SPECIFIC STRATEGIES:
To incorporate these concepts into our daily lives and classrooms, we can begin by scheduling regular breaks throughout the day for short mindfulness practices. This could include setting aside 5-10 minutes for meditation or deep-breathing exercises using apps like Headspace or Calm. (Setting calendar alarms or a photo reminder on the cell screen are helpful).
Attend group classes in an activity we enjoy for motivation and a sense of community, which can help us stay inspired. Partnering with a colleague, partner, or friend as an accountability partner can encourage consistency and provide mutual support.
In the classroom, we can start each lesson with a short grounding activity, such as a breathing exercise or a mindful listening session, to promote focus and relaxation. Integrating movement like yoga or dance not only benefits personal well-being, but can also be incorporated into lessons, teaching students the importance of the life-long journey of caring for the body and mind.
Ultimately, the key to being an effective and compassionate educator lies in finding balance. By embracing mindfulness, we create a teaching practice that is sustainable, fulfilling, and enriching for both ourselves and the students we serve.
Dr. Jaclyn Normandie is a professional conductor and founder of the Modern Conducting Academy. Her study of yoga, meditation, and eastern philosophy led her to author The Mindful Musician: Finding a Healthy Balance, offering strategies in balance and stress management to performers.
Jaclyn currently resides in Costa Rica studying Pachamama Folk Music and leads community ensembles for youth and adults. Her private voice instruction focuses on the energetic and emotional principles of vocal development and unlocking the fullest potential of one’s communication.
After earning her doctorate at the University of Michigan with Dr. Jerry Blackstone, she taught at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Oakland University. Ensembles under her direction, including Murrieta Valley High School, have performed around the globe and at American Choral Directors Association National, Western, and Central Division conferences.
She has presented lectures at over twenty conferences, as well as guest conducting at the regional and state level. Her deep appreciation of movement biomechanics is rooted in her multidiscipline background of conducting, dance, martial arts, and yoga; and her studies have taken her to such locations as China, India, and Brazil.
