Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Lindsey, Yes, the English teacher's job is the most difficult to streamline. The nature of the discipline requires comparatively more complex examination and grading techniques. It's good to hear that you can still think of incorporating a few ideas to create efficiencies. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Causes of Stress

Brenda, Career colleges are complex stress landscapes. You are correct in that there are many constraints that we face when working in these environments. Some of those can be overcome. For others, we must learn to cope with and adapt to the environment. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Donna, Interesting point about listening and so true. Sometimes, fixing things is not what is needed at all. Sometimes when we just listen and let others vent, that IS the solution and that is what others really need from us. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Dan, These are two great strategies to live by. Regular exercise impacts our stress, health and mood. A clean and orderly workstation communicates great organization to others and helps us tremendously too. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Marie, Well that's mostly true. The quicker you prioritize, the faster the urgent tasks get done. It may not all get done fast but that's ok. We just need to focus on what's most important for the near and long term. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Causes of Stress

Saroj, Sounds like you've gotten into a healthy routine at work. After teaching 14 years, I'm sure you have a lot of streamlined processes for teaching and grading. While you probably have to spend a little time making sure your course content is fresh, the rest is likely on autopilot. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Dan, So true. When we exercise, it often elevates our moods. We often feel more positive when we complete our workouts and feel more easygoing when stressful tasks come our way. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Kimbely, Excellent to hear and I meet so many students who feel the exact same way. It gives us such a great sense of accomplishment to be able to check things off our lists. When we cross items out instead of taking them off our lists altogether, we remind ourselves of how far we've come. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Causes of Stress

Kimberly, Interesting observation. On one hand, investment in creating efficiencies does make our lives easier after some practice. On the other, when we never have a steady routine, life can feel overwhelming. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Darrell, So glad to hear you have your bike as an outlet, and the mountains too. When you ride safely, motorcycles can be a great way to cope with stress! Dr. Melissa Read