This is a weird week. It’s weird at home because UESF teachers are still on strike (we just got a text message at 5:15pm that schools are closed again tomorrow, for a third day), so both our kids are at home all day while we’re working (I teach in a different district than my kids attend).
It’s weird at work because the vast majority of the 7th graders are at outdoor ed. I teach two classes that are mostly 7th grade, so this week I have my 8th graders from those classes with me while I cover other people’s classes. I am in a 6th grade coding class during 2nd period and an 8th grade PE class during 5th period.
Next week my kids have Monday and Tuesday off (President’s Day and Lunar New Year) and I have the whole week off. We’re supposed to go to the snow for three nights, but it’s currently snowing quite a bit and it supposed to snow more over the weekend. We’ll be driving a Prius (my dad’s car) that I don’t currently have tire chains/cables for (I intend to buy some tomorrow).
I’m nervous for the trip to the snow. I’m nervous to drive and nervous to strain both my knee and shoulder. My knee is stiff and sore and popping painfully again, after a Saturday on the mat and two long walks. My shoulder actually feels pretty decent, and I want to keep it that way!
I’ve been in a funky head space recently. Actually, it’s mostly been a bad mood. I realized that it’s at least partially because of I’ve lost exercise as a mental health regulator. Usually I move my body to feel good, both physically and emotionally. Right now working out feels fraught. Am I actually hurting myself? Will my knee or shoulder be upset with me later? I’m so hyper aware of my body while I’m working out that I never get that release of just losing myself in the movement. And then later I feel bummed out because how I moved did, in fact, upset my knee or shoulder. So not only have I lost what used to be my source of emotional regulation, but it’s actually making me feel worse. It really sucks and it’s really getting me down.
This week I could really use the stress relief that exercise used to provide, but sadly I will not be getting it. I guess I have to find other ways to cope.
well you know I can empathize with the exercise portion!! thinking of you. that really is hard. i hope you can maybe even find some super low key forms of movement (yoga?) that might not aggravate you but still scratch that itch. and these things do ebb and flow – try not to assume you will have the same pain/limitations forever and ever! if there is ANY overuse component then a break might do wonders!
BUT also you’re allowed to be mad. it sucks!!!
or – this is an out there idea – anything else you could temporarily get into like music? I have been enjoying the piano a lot, banging something out (LOUD) is satisfying 🙂
Change in exercise on top of grey weather and the strike and the rest of the nation & world news, etc. Yes. A weird and unsettled crabbiness makes full sense. I think a great many people are twitching.
It is why I am muttering my nature refrain: the sun rose, the rain fell, the flowers bloomed, etc.
The Year of the Horse is almost upon us. It is said to foretell rapid dramatic changes…. Which is broad enough to cover many things.
Thank you for writing. Best wishes on so many many subjects.
Yikes, the school situation with your kids not attending while you are at work, blah, no good. What a weird week indeed. I hope you are able to feel healed/hope you recover enough to feel more relaxed while working out. That’s such a nagging issue.
Yep, you know I totally get this. When I can’t run I’m always in a low-key bad mood, even if I can do other things. We definitely need the stress relief. I agree with SHU, maybe you can find something else to scratch the itch temporarily. And just remember that it WILL be temporary! This phase is not forever (although I know it can feel like that). I’m a few days late in commenting so you’re probably getting ready for your trip to the snow- I hope it goes well and you have fun!