Avoiding teacher overwhelm for introverts
Found in: Time Management
Cheri S., Utah
For introverts: how do you avoid feeling overwhelmed by all the time with people? Shared lessons are much more fun for me than private. But they are also draining, especially if I have too many in a row. It makes me want to get away from people for a while, but of course I have family and other responsibilities outside of lessons.
As my studio has grown larger, and I’m teaching more hours, I do feel drained at the end. I have implemented 5-minute breaks between classes, which definitely helps. Longer breaks would probably be perfect, but piano lessons mostly occur from 3-6pm, and there’s not enough time for all my lessons, with long breaks.
So I’m looking for personal strategies or skills, more than changes in scheduling. It could be managing your own mindset — ways you maintain your own centeredness during lessons, or learn to think differently about your job in general.
Or it might be things you do before lessons to get yourself in a good place. For example, I do better when I make time to meditate right before lessons, but very often I don’t find time. Or something you do after lessons, or on weekends to decompress. Ideas?
Lindsey H., Iowa
I am a total introvert and I don’t have a lot of lesson groups at this time, but it is very draining for me. I have to make sure that before lessons I have about 20 minutes of just sitting and resting. Sometimes I’ll have a piece of chocolate and a cup of coffee…just something to enjoy. I am a new teacher and I have really had to work on changing my mindset. If I look at this as a “job” then I will be even more drained. If I look at it for what it really is, getting to share my heart and my love for music and influencing the hearts and minds of children and adults to become lifelong companions of music, then that alone gives me energy. When it comes down to it, I have to take “me” out of it and stop making it about how this will bless me, and look at how this blesses others.
Rochelle G., California
To summarize the above, let your passion be your strength!
Stephen R., California
I do have my scheduled “lunch” breaks. Really, about 4 lessons in a row is my limit before I need a break. I do exercise regularly before I teach, so that helps with all the sitting I do. It’s really important to stretch your back if you sit a lot. Right now, I’m teaching Monday through Thursday. I love what I do, but by the time Thursday evening comes around, I’m ready for my weekend when the real decompressing happens.
Ruth P., North Carolina
It takes a lot of energy/concentration to be present to 4+ students at once. Since I teach mostly adults during the day, I am fortunate to be able to spread them out with breaks between. I often will take a power nap if there is time, and of course lots of nice hot drinks and some protein helps.
Susan M., Canada
I’m glad I’m not alone! I’ve recently reduced coffee intake to try and balance “up/down'” energy and light exercise seems for me the best refreshment. I always try to be very prepared for each lesson and I too worry about doing all things right and smoothly.
I also recently added some lavender aromatherapy to the studio.
Rebecca G., Colorado
A big part of the answer for me has been teaching private lessons almost exclusively; I found I just couldn’t handle groups of kids without my anxiety going through the roof. I do a bit better with adult groups. But I know that’s not a practical solution for many people.
Besides that, my best strategy for avoiding exhaustion has been to really pay attention to whether I’m more attached to the needs of the class/student in front of me, or to my own agenda (such as having to get through a certain number of streams or projects or chapters of a Foundation song in a lesson). I’m feeling so much better about my teaching and my relationships with my students since I’ve started letting their own energy, curiosity, and even sense of stress around certain things inform how and what I teach on any given day. If instead I’m attached to my own agenda and what I think they should be learning (or how much), I find it cuts me off from connecting with them and really being able to give them something meaningful.
Robin T., China
Nothing to do with being an introvert, this is a completely normal occurrence for any teacher as you are constantly giving out. I often return from a day of lecturing completely spent and unable to engage with anyone, needing only to spend some time on my own. It is crucial to do stuff for yourself. I surf, read a lot, meditate every day, and do yoga six days a week in order to stay fresh.
Unmani U., Australia
I’m not an introvert but this comes up for me big time at conferences. Fresh air, an energetic walk,/movement, wide open spaces. These help me.
Heidi M., Canada
I am also getting busier and I am an introvert too. What helps me is that I teach mostly private lessons or very small groups. I do go for walks/pray/meditate and also play piano (improv, relaxing) in between lessons, but I have more time flexibility with my schedule than you do. Even today when I was really tired, I felt so refreshed after teaching a private lesson. It may not have been that way in a large group class.
Joanne D., Australia
I need to withdraw to my cave after lots of people contact. Meditation is great. There are videos on YouTube that can help. Sounds like a lot of us get overwhelmed!
Leeanne, I., Australia
I’m an introvert too. I had to learn to speak in front of large groups of people when I was in the legal profession. Then take Q & A at the end. At the beginning, I just pretended I was acting, playing a character. That helped me deal with it. The more you do it the more comfortable you get. Plus what everyone else says. I have a 15-minute break between lessons, and nap when I can.
Michelle H., Australia
I’m an introvert too and a new teacher with almost 12 months under my belt. I only teach private lessons at the moment. I’ve decided to focus on teaching adults as I find teaching some kids exhausting. I like to be organized well before lessons start. I find I get tired when I’m doubting myself and my ability or feeling judged by a parent. It seems to drain me.
So I have half an hour’s quiet time before lessons start to find my “platform”, self-positive talk, and mini meditation, then play some piano. Improv seems to work best. Or go water the garden or do some reading. It helps me to slow my mind down and feel centered again. I have a few lessons back to back, then an hour break before the last lesson of the night. The good part is that I usually sleep like a baby that night!
Karina S., Minnesota
Just know the sees you’re planting will produce a lifetime of joy and self worth. You’ll find ways to go into your cave with more purpose.
Jacqui G., Canada
There is something about teaching piano that draws us. I find that after I have put myself on the line (whether one student or a group, adults or small fry), not only is my psychic energy in need of a recharge, but my blood sugar is so low I literally cannot frame a sentence. I keep high-protein snacks on hand.