I used to teach chemistry. Most of you know this. What you may not know is that I often think (and sometimes use) chemistry terms to describe what is happening around me.
Oh, don't give me too much credit. I don't look at physical processes and think of the chemistry behind them. No. Nothing that brainy. What I do is far less scientific.
Here's an example:
I walk into my child's messy room and think, "Entropy!" (basically "randomness" or "disorder"). One of the ways to decrease entropy is to decrease the heat on a system. So, of course my brain wonders, "If I turn up the air, will the room get cleaner?" (I wish it were that easy!).
Nerdy? Yep. I can own that.
So when you hear me use terms like "dichotomous key" and "limiting factor", just chalk it up to too many years of science!
Lately, I've been thinking a lot about melting points.
All substances have a melting point, when they change from a solid to a liquid, due to an increase of heat (energy) or pressure on the substance.
I think maybe humans have melting points, too. Not the horror movie, skin-dripping kind of melting. Rather, the point at which we lose the "solid" part of us due to excessive pressure or heat (aka: stress).
Dealing with extended periods of high stress (like teaching online for 7 weeks straight for the first time), in addition to repeated short bursts of extreme stress (like trouble shooting tech issues in order to actually teach the lesson you were planning to teach), takes an extreme toll on a person. This constant stretch and strain can cause the breakdown of who we are, cause us to forget what we value, and impact our emotional, physical and spiritual health. It can wear at the solid "core" of who we are and make it difficult know how to move forward.
In chemistry, we know what to look for to know that a substance is about to melt. "Often solid substances undergo some unusual behavior prior to actual melting. Compounds may decolorize, decompose, soften, or shrink." (1). We can actually SEE that something going to melt.
Is the same thing true with us? Maybe the short temper with our spouse, the lack of empathy for our students, or the sore throat and tight shoulders might be our sign. I know for me it is all of those things...plus a few more!
So what do we do? We've identified that we are about to "melt". Now what? Here are some thoughts:
1) Get some sleep. Studies show that we need 7-8 hours a sleep a night to stay healthy. Set your cell phone to remind you to go to sleep early each night. Those of you with small children...you may want to get a head start, since your 8 hours will likely have a few breaks in them!
2) Drink lots of water. Two important things that water does (among many) are: eliminating waste, and makes minerals and nutrients accessible (when they are water soluble). Getting rid of the "bad" and making the "good" available for use seems like a really good trade!
3) Find time to exercise. The benefits of exercise include better sleep (see #1) and improved brain health (who doesn't need that?). Yet, usually this is the first item to be removed from the list of "things I should do". In the office, we are trying to find time daily to go for a quick walk around campus, or around the block. This new work style of sitting all day is really NOT good for anyone!
4) Have "quiet time" daily. Whether you spend your quiet time reading, meditating or praying, time alone that helps to get us out of "fight, flight or freeze" mode and to calmly take on the day. There are connections between quiet time and happiness as well.
4) Double down on relationships that bring you joy. This is a tip from those a generation older than I am, but I'm starting to see the truth. Finding people who can build you up, notice that you are melting and help you to 'cool" is a true blessing. Reach out to those around you today. Find solace in shared experience. Learn together and from each other. Laugh. Find joy.
Let me leave you with one last chemistry fact.
"With stronger forces, the melting point rises." (2)
As we take care of ourselves, we become stronger. And, the stronger we are, the harder it is to get us to "melt".
Take care of yourself today.
Kim
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