Mental-Health dimension to this pandemic; Kids are excellent at picking up on adult emotions

For many of us, there's a mental-health dimension to this pandemic. Anxiety and uncertainty go hand in hand, and the COVID-19 crisis is the perfect storm of uncertainty.

As all educators know, kids are excellent at picking up on adult emotions. It's OK to acknowledge the stress you're feeling because they may be feeling the same way. It's important for everyone, educators and students alike, to hear that it's OK to not be OK, and most importantly that you are not alone.

For educators, maintaining your own mental health is key to your ability to teach, and it's also a chance to be a role model for your students. If you are experiencing anxiety, there are steps you can take, like a daily routine of light physical exercise and deep breathing. Both of these habits help calm the body and promote sleep.

How we think about our anxious thoughts also matters. One way to limit negative self-talk is to keep what is happening (e.g., "This is bad") from defining your sense of self (e.g., "I am bad"). If anxiety is getting in the way of day-to-day functioning, then it is worth seeking professional help.