Hug 206: The Sunday Scaries, Teacher Joy, and Puppy Yoga

Today is a mix of teacher stories, life lessons, and a little bit of joy (including Michelle’s puppy yoga adventure!).

We kick things off with some behind-the-scenes tech glitches—because let’s be honest, podcasting isn’t always glamorous. Then we dive into a real conversation about the Sunday Scaries. Tami shares how her anxiety as a teacher used to make Sundays unbearable, even leading to missed community time. Michelle opens up about her own “scaries” and how holding on to “the way things have always been done” made teaching harder.

Here's what we talk about:

• How teachers can design their year instead of letting the year design them.
• The dangers of perfectionism and comparison (like trying to be the next TikTok Super Teacher!!!).
• Why setting boundaries early in your teaching career can protect your joy and help prevent burnout.
• How parents and teachers can connect with kids through simple daily rituals and better questions than “How was your day?”

We remind ourselves and you: your strength is in being you. 

• If you’re funny, be funny. 
• If you’re compassionate, lean into that. 
• If you need to fake it till you make it, that’s okay too.

Visit the Show Notes at https://www.consideryourselfhugged.com/  for more!

Connect with us

• Consider Yourself Hugged: New website
• Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!)
• TikTok: Short clips and stories
• YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets
• Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation

Thanks for joining!
**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:

General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/
About AA: https://www.aa.org/

About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Educator.

Tami West, PhD
Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life.