If you’re not already teaching lessons online, many of us will be this week following Spring Break.
I think we can all agree that online teaching can take a little bit (or even a lot) more energy than in-person. Hopefully, the more we do it, the easier it will get!
To help you along the way, here are 10 products I love that can help make your next few weeks feel a little less stressful and a little more comfortable.
Remember, it’s the small things that can bring us joy in stressful times!
Here’s a quick reference guide – descriptions follow!
#1-4 Hydrate and Moisturize
Staying well-hydrated is always important for good health, but we may need to be even more conscious of it now. If we’re not intentionally conscious of it, we may tend to find ourselves talking a little louder than normal which leads to dry mouth and dehydration.
Consider keeping an electric kettle next to you for cups of tea or even warm lemon water. Chef’s Choice Electric Glass Kettle is good quality and well-priced.
One of my favorite teas is The Republic of Tea’s Spring Cherry Green Tea.
The individual bags are convenient for on-the-go teaching.
Excess talking can also easily dry out the lips. Don’t forget a stash of chapstick! SW Basics Organic Beeswax Lip Balm
With everyone being more conscious of handwashing perhaps longer and more frequently than before, the skin on your hands may be suffering.
Keep this lovely-smelling EO Body Lotion, Coconut and Vanilla on your desk to enjoy after each hand-washing.
#5-6 Posture
Some teachers will be set up at their pianos and others perhaps, like me at a desk with a keyboard next to it. In the latter case, (due to my shorter frame), using both a tiltable footrest and ergonomic wedge of some kind have been of great benefit to sitting with good posture at a desk for extended periods of time.
Eureka Ergonomic Tilt Adjustable Footrest
#7-8 Cozy Toesies
Guess what, friends? No one is going to see our feet for the next few weeks. Take advantage! What do your toes prefer? Warm and cozy or free and airy?
#9 Ear Comfort
Wearing headphones teaching online wasn’t something I had ever imagined would be part of online teaching until I heard several teachers mention it.
So….here are the headphones I use in my studio.
AKG K52 Headphones.
I love them. They’re super comfortable full over-the-ear headphones. The headband self-adjusts and the R-L markings are written in large print directly on the inside of the earpiece so it’s easy to spot.
The only downside to wearing headphones I’ve discovered this year is that you can’t wear big earrings! Darn.
#10 Sensory Comfort
A diffuser is a safe and easy way to keep your space feeling fresh and your mind clear.
A few oils I would go for at this time include Thieves, Raven, Stress Away, Clarify, and Peppermint. (They’re Young Living brand but I’m not an affiliate in anyway, it’s just what I use.)
NOW Essential Oils, Faux Wood Diffuser
Treat yourself and take care of yourself. Here we go!
~Amy
Love the footrest recommendation. With no students in the studio I’m putting my feet up on my PE-2 Pedal Extender! Be well and safe!
Hey, Marcia! I’m only 5’3″ and so sitting at a desk properly requires a little extra help for good posture. I’ve been using this footrest for years and LOVE it!
Excellent article! Are you using an external mic too?
I don’t know if I can stand headphones for five hours!
I’m not using headphones at all, personally. I am using a Logitech external webcam/microphone. It’s working pretty well and has good sound quality. See a picture of it here.