Preparing for back-to-school season helps my EDS management
As a teacher, I've found that little things can make a big difference
For teachers and students in much of the U.S., it’s that time of year again! As a teacher, I’m back to work already, getting ready for another school year to begin.
While in some ways it’s nice to have summers off, I miss the routine that comes with the school year. Over the years, I’ve learned that habits and routines can be effective in helping me manage Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and the anxiety it causes. But being back at work also has challenges. The following are a few strategies I’ve found that make my life easier when it’s superbusy.
Mixing work and EDS
Advanced meal preparation: Because of my EDS food sensitivities and alpha-gal syndrome, meals take a lot more planning than they used to. I make sure to cook on Sunday evenings when I have more time, so I’ll have leftovers for a few nights during the week. I also have a decent-sized mini-fridge in my office. Each week, I can prepare salad fixings and make sure I have yogurt, hummus, fruit, and other healthy items. That’s one less thing I’ll have to do each morning before getting out the door.
A look at the week’s calendar: Some weeks are busier than others, and it helps to know what’s coming up. Do I have a late work meeting? A vet appointment in the evening? Lots of meetings during the day that will push some of the work to later? While it doesn’t change my calendar, knowing ahead of time helps to reduce my anxiety because I’m not taken by surprise.
A day to go home early: Between my regular job, riding my horse, and life on a small horse farm, I’m superbusy (sometimes too busy). Traditionally, a full day for me means working, riding, and taking care of the animals. I leave my house at about 7:30 a.m. and don’t finish until about 8 p.m. I already deal with chronic fatigue because of EDS. So for one day each week, I’ll work my day job and head home for some downtime, which makes a big difference. I’ve learned that it’s OK to schedule myself some time to relax!
Flexibility: Despite all of my planning, life doesn’t always go the way I expect it to. Sometimes meetings pop up, emergencies with animals happen, or tasks just take longer than I’d anticipated. If I’ve prepared for the week as much as possible, I’m less flustered when things change at the last minute, because so much of what I need to do is already handled. So while having a good plan is important, being able to roll with what actually happens is equally crucial.
Heading back to school is always an adjustment, but I enjoy the routine and getting to know a new group of students. I’m starting my 13th year as an educator, and I feel like I’m much better prepared to navigate the transition to the fall semester than I was at the beginning of my career. Little things can make a big difference!
Note: Ehlers-Danlos News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Ehlers-Danlos News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Ehlers-Danlos.
About the Author
Nancy Hugger
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I’m not sure if people can open this but I am a 66 year old woman with EDS. I was not diagnosed until in my 60’s after getting an aneurysm from Covid. I have dislocated all joints in my body except my left hip. I have had multiple joint replacements but I have never related my pain to EDS. I thought it was bc I was an athlete. I live with pain. It is what it is but I think over focusing on it is hard. Here is an article that I feel hopeful. Hope it helps.