Music Teacher Burnout? 5 Ways Daydreaming Will Help

Key takeaways:

• Daydreaming boosts energy, creativity, and problem-solving ability

• Immersive daydreaming is the good kind; maladaptive daydreaming is generally harmful

• If you're tired and unmotivated but need to keep going, daydreaming can improve your productivity and help you reach your goals

Don't miss a single post!

Subscribe

I didn’t get much done the other day.

Normally I spend my days working my way through my to-do list, diligently checking tasks off as I go. But lately I'm feeling weary of the routine, of dutifully putting pennies in my various jars: juggling the needs of my business and personal life; patiently giving my practice speech (again); planting and watering literal garden seeds that will some day (I hope) bear fruit.

These are important jars with meaningful payoffs. But this time of year I always start to feel restless with the same-same. My meaningful routines start to feel a bit stale.

That's when I know it's time to daydream.

So the other day, I spent some time imagining that lesson planning was done for the year. I had successfully ushered my students through the busy spring and into the ah! of summer. My garden was a lush oasis full of yummy vegetables.

Though daydreaming might seem like a waste of time, I've learned that it can be very, very good - especially when we're feeling the cumulative fatigue of life responsibilities.

To be clear, the daydreaming I'm referring to the positive type known as immersive daydreaming (as opposed to maladaptive daydreaming).

Immersive daydreaming is intentional and focused, allowing you to imagine a time in the future when you've overcome current obstacles, reached a goal, and are experiencing a sense of satisfaction and ease.

Here are 5 ways immersive daydreaming can help you avoid music teacher burnout:

1. Reduces anxiety. "Daydreaming breaks are not just fun; they are necessary," says this article. "Our brains cannot maintain focus and productivity nonstop. Good brain health requires regular periods of relaxation. When these periods involve letting our mind wander, it helps reduce our anxiety." I can definitely attest to the fact that a good bout of daydreaming gets me out of a worrying spiral and helps me relax.

2. Enhances creativity. Trying to help a student master that tricky passage in their recital piece, or overcome performance anxiety - and feeling fresh out of ideas? Daydreaming is particularly helpful in helping you creatively solve problems.

3. Improves neuroplasticity. Those smarty pants at Harvard conducted a study with findings that suggest daydreaming helps us adapt to new circumstances and learn new information. Unsure how (or if) to use AI in your teaching business, or trying to master a new teaching technique? Daydreaming can prime your brain to learn and adapt.

4. Helps you reach your goals. "When you imagine your best possible self...you feel more optimistic and positive about life, which motivates you to apply yourself toward fulfilling your goals," according to this source. Trying to find the energy and focus to get through your spring commitments or complete that teacher course? Try imagining your best life with these goals reached. Daydreaming can help you make it so.

5. Gives you an energy boost. All the above benefits are great, but what you really need to know when you're struggling is this: daydreaming can give you a quick energy boost. According to this source, "Daydreaming acts as a refresh button for the brain, allowing it to rest and recharge. Just a few minutes of letting your mind wander can help reduce stress and restore your mental energy, improving productivity when you return to your tasks."

I've cited lots of resources here because having science on your side is always a good thing. But honestly? I don't need these articles to tell me what I've experienced first hand: That when I'm tired, anxious, and unmotivated, a good bout of positive daydreaming can give me the energy and mood boost I need to keep going.

So here's my advice if you're struggling right now: set that to-do list aside and let your mind wander. Take a mental vacation. Let your ship sail without a captain for awhile.

Give yourself a daydreaming break so you feel refreshed and ready to tackle that teaching trail for one more go-round. 🌻