Feeling Worn Down? How Awe Can Help Teachers Reconnect, Reset, and Stay Strong

Teaching is meaningful—but it can also wear you down.

In this episode of the Why Edify Podcast, we explore the awe principle—the idea that noticing small moments of wonder can help teachers restore energy, improve their well-being, and reconnect with why they started teaching in the first place.

Drawing from psychology, reflection, and everyday classroom life, this episode offers a calm reminder that awe doesn’t have to be big or dramatic. Sometimes it’s found in the most ordinary moments—if we’re willing to notice.

In this episode, you’ll explore:

- Why awe is a powerful (and overlooked) tool for teacher wellbeing

- How small moments of wonder can build resilience and kindness

- Simple ways teachers can practice awe during a busy school day

- A reflective question you can carry with you into the week

If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with a colleague who could use a reminder to slow down and notice what still matters.

If you’re looking for a supportive space to reflect, reset, and grow alongside other educators, you’re invited to join The STRONG Teacher’s Lounge—a community designed to help teachers become happier, healthier, and stronger. Join us - https://www.skool.com/the-strong-teachers-lounge-3476/about

👇 Share this with a colleague, reflect in the comments, and don’t forget to join the Strong Teachers Lounge for more free tools and support.

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Lessons from a Life Well Lived: What My Wife’s Grandmother Taught Me

A quiet drive home after a celebration of life sparked this reflection on legacy, teaching, and what truly matters.

Doris—a quiet force of service, thoughtfulness, and deep family connection. As a teacher, volunteer, and lifelong learner, Doris modeled a way of being that resonates far beyond her immediate circle. This episode explores how her values—consistency, intentionality, generosity, and joyful competition—can inform how we show up in the classroom and in life.

Educators and reflective thinkers alike will find something grounding and inspiring here. It's a gentle reminder that our habits, actions, and how we carry ourselves can leave a lasting impression—sometimes more than our words ever could.

🙏 Take a moment to reflect on those who’ve shaped you—and consider how you might carry their lessons forward.

✨ If this message resonates, subscribe for more reflections, share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s continue building a community rooted in purpose and care.

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Ever feel like your best efforts in the classroom are barely keeping you afloat? You're not alone. This episode of the Why Edify Podcast dives into persistence—that quiet, unwavering force that sustains teachers when ambition fades and obstacles pile up.Join Jeremy Jorgensen as he explores how consistent, meaningful “strong steps” can turn fatigue into fulfillment. From lesson planning to personal wellness, discover how breaking big goals into small, trackable actions builds momentum for both teachers and students.Join us in the STRONG Teacher's Lounge: https://www.skool.com/the-strong-teachers-lounge-3476/aboutYou'll learn:- Why persistence outperforms motivation in real teaching life- How to implement strong steps with students and staff- Simple strategies for staying grounded and resilient- A powerful affirmation to carry you through tough daysReady to replace overwhelm with steady progress? Let’s walk this journey—one strong step at a time.Chapters00:00 The Power of Persistence02:54 Strong Steps to Cultivate Persistence05:40 Implementing Strong Steps in Teaching08:48 Affirmation and Reflection for Growth👇 Share this with a colleague, reflect in the comments, and don’t forget to join the Strong Teachers Lounge for more free tools and support.📬 Get Involved:✉️ Sign up for the Friday Five Newsletter for Teachers: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/newsletter💪 Take the 30-Day Educator Challenge (Mind, Body & Spirit): https://bit.ly/3PS4zM7☕ Support Why Edify: https://buymeacoffee.com/whyedify🤝 Connect with Jeremy: https://linktr.ee/whyedify👕 Shop Why Edify Gear: https://www.bonfire.com/store/why-edify/🌐 Connect with Jeremy Jorgensen:👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/why_edify/👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-jorgensen321/👉 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/why-edify.bsky.social👉 Website: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/👉 Subscribe, reflect, and simplify. Your clarity starts now.

Why Simplicity Is the Superpower Every Teacher Needs

Feeling overwhelmed by the never-ending to-do list of teaching and life? This episode of the Why Edify Podcast dives into a game-changing concept: simplicity. It might sound small, but it's a secret weapon for happier, healthier, and stronger educators.

Jeremy Jorgensen shares six powerful ways to bring more peace, presence, and clarity into your classroom and life — from decluttering your space to simplifying your lessons, self-talk, and transitions. You'll leave with practical strategies and a fresh mindset to reclaim your energy and focus.

This reflection is a must-listen for teachers who are ready to stop chasing more and start focusing on what matters most.

Explore tiny shifts that bring big peace.

Book recommendation: Essentialism by Greg McKeown - https://geni.us/tZVlmD

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🧠 What’s one area of your life you could simplify today? Please share in the comments, and let’s grow together.

Takeaways

- Simplicity can be a lifeline in a chaotic teaching environment.

- When everything is important, nothing stands out.

- Creating a calm space can lead to mental clarity.

- Identify your top three priorities each week to focus your efforts.

- Communication overload can drain mental energy; set boundaries.

- Teaching with clarity often means teaching with less.

- Self-talk should center on gratitude and grace.

- Visualize transitions to maintain mental clarity between roles.

- Simplicity allows for better decision-making and presence.

- Small actions can lead to significant improvements in daily life.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Simplicity in Teaching

02:49 Creating a Simplified Environment

05:48 Streamlining Your Schedule and Communication

08:36 Simplifying Lessons and Self-Talk

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📬 Get Involved:

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👉 Subscribe, reflect, and simplify. Your clarity starts now.

The Calm Effect: How Teacher Energy Shapes the Classroom

Can a teacher’s calm change the entire classroom? Absolutely. In this thoughtful episode, Jeremy from Why Edify shares his blog post The Calm Effect—a reflection on how your tone, presence, and energy can quietly but powerfully shift your students' behavior and emotional state.

When classrooms get noisy or chaotic, it’s not just about control—it’s about connection. Jeremy explores how calm isn’t just a feeling; it’s a teachable skill and a leadership strategy. You’ll learn 5 practical ways to bring more calm into your day, create emotional safety, and lead with presence—not pressure.

Read the article: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/the-calm-effect-how-teacher-energy-shapes-the-classroom/

🧘‍♀️ You’ll learn:

- Why calm is more powerful than reward systems

- How to reset your classroom energy with intention

- Simple techniques to model emotional regulation

- How your calm becomes your students’ courage

Whether you're facing daily classroom challenges or want to deepen your emotional leadership, this episode will leave you feeling grounded and inspired.

Chapters

00:00 The Calm Effect in Education

02:48 Practical Tips for Cultivating Calmness

04:41 The Ripple Effect of Teacher Energy

👉 Explore the Strong Teachers Lounge—a supportive space to grow, connect, and lead with heart - https://www.skool.com/the-strong-teachers-lounge-3476/about

📬 Get Involved:

✉️ Sign up for the Friday Five Newsletter for Teachers:

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Stronger in the Cracks: The Truth About Teacher Resilience

Teaching will test your limits—but it can also reveal your greatest strengths. In this episode of the Why Edify Podcast, Jeremy Jorgensen explores the deep emotional and mental resilience required to thrive in education.

With inspiration from Hemingway and the Japanese art of Kintsugi, this reflection reminds educators that strength isn't found in perfection—it's found in recovery, reflection, and showing up again.

Discover how to reframe tough moments, embrace your cracks, and grow stronger through the challenges. If you've ever felt worn down by the weight of teaching, this episode offers hope, honesty, and healing.

✨ Take a breath. Reflect. Rebuild.

🔗 Explore the Strong Teachers Lounge https://www.skool.com/the-strong-teachers-lounge-3476/about – a community dedicated to helping you become happier, healthier, and stronger.

📬 Subscribe to the Why Edify newsletter for weekly reflections and real tools to keep the spark alive in your teaching journey. Sign up here (free): https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/newsletter/

🧠 What’s one broken place that made you stronger? Share in the comments.

Takeaways

- The world breaks everyone, and teaching can wear you down.

- Resilience is about recovery and growth, not just pushing through.

- Kintsugi symbolizes how we can embrace our brokenness.

- Reflection is key to understanding our challenges.

- Resilient teachers learn from tough days and ask what they teach us.

- Strength is built in small moments of grace and patience.

- Setting boundaries is essential for mental health.

- Community support helps teachers navigate challenges.

- Self-awareness grows from acknowledging our broken places.

- Strength means learning to rebuild beautifully.

Chapters

00:00 The Weight of Teaching: Embracing Challenges

02:42 Resilience: The Art of Kintsugi in Teaching

05:22 Building Strength Through Reflection and Growth

📬 Get Involved:

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The Power of Pausing: Why Empathy Beats Being Right

What if the real strength in teaching isn’t in winning arguments—but in understanding others? 💡

In this thought-provoking episode of the Why Edify Podcast, Jeremy Jorgensen dives into a transformative idea for educators and leaders: the "empathy pause." When tension sparks—in classrooms, meetings, or even at home—what happens when we pause to listen instead of rushing to correct?

Drawing on timeless wisdom from Dale Carnegie and everyday teaching moments, Jeremy explores how a simple phrase—"Help me understand your perspective"—can build trust, disarm conflict, and deepen connection. This is emotional intelligence in action, and it’s how we model the kind of world we want our students to inherit.

✅ If you're a teacher, administrator, or lifelong learner seeking more compassion, clarity, and calm in your work, this episode is for you.

🌀 Reflective journal prompt included

🫶 Practical affirmation for tense moments

🌱 A powerful shift from judgment to understanding

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👉 Share this with a colleague who needs it, and join the conversation in the Strong Teachers Lounge, our growing community of educators making the world better—together.

Takeaways:

- Frustration is common in classrooms and workplaces.

- Defensive reactions can escalate tension rather than resolve it.

- An empathy pause can transform communication dynamics.

- Asking 'help me understand' promotes active listening.

- Understanding others' perspectives is crucial for resolution.

- Empathy does not equate to agreement, but to listening.

- Small phrases can have a significant impact on interactions.

- Recognizing what others are trying to express is key.

- Building trust requires intentional communication strategies.

- Effective conflict resolution starts with empathy.

📬 Get Involved:

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Eat That Frog: The Time Management Trick Every Teacher Needs

Feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? Start your day with purpose by eating your frog. 🐸

In this episode of the Why Edify Podcast, Jeremy Jorgensen unpacks the timeless wisdom behind Mark Twain’s "eat the frog" metaphor and Brian Tracy’s book Eat That Frog—reimagined for educators. Learn how to overcome procrastination, reduce stress, and take back control of your day with one intentional habit: tackling your biggest challenge first.

Whether it’s grading, lesson planning, or that one email you’ve been avoiding, this practical approach to time management can help you reclaim your energy and focus. Jeremy also shares insights from the Strong Teacher framework and offers a daily affirmation to help you start strong.

✨ If you’re an educator looking to thrive—not just survive—this episode is for you.

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👍 Like, comment, and share with a colleague who needs this reminder.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly inspiration, habits, and mindset shifts that empower educators.

Takeaways

- Mark Twain's frog metaphor highlights the importance of tackling tough tasks first.

- Procrastination can create a low level of stress that affects productivity.

- Identifying your 'frog' can help you focus on what truly matters.

- The 80-20 rule suggests that a small percentage of tasks yield the most results.

- Starting your day with the hardest task can set a positive tone.

- Momentum builds once you start working on a challenging task.

- Daily habits can lead to consistent progress and discipline.

- Perfection is not attainable; focus on progress instead.

- Facing challenges head-on can lead to a clearer mind and better control of your day.

- Joining a supportive community can enhance your growth as an educator.

Chapters

00:00 Tackling Procrastination: The Frog Concept

04:19 Strategies for Effective Time Management

06:09 Building Productive Habits and Mindset

📬 Get Involved:

✉️ Sign up for the Friday Five Newsletter for Teachers:

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