Dr. Melissa Read

Betty, It sounds like you have a good handle on who you are and your time and stress management style. That's a great start. It also sounds like you know where you want to be and how to get there. Yes, as the new year approaches, it's time to slip back into your good habits. Dr. Melissa Read

Shannon, Yes, some online tools are easy to modify. Others are more ridged. It's important to find the online tool that is flexible for you and works well with your style. Dr. Melissa Read

Tina, New jobs can be tough. It takes a little while to get into a routine and figure out what works and what doesn't. It's a normal process. With time and practice, things get easier. Dr. Melissa Read

Musharaf, Sounds like you have developed a wonderful system that's working well for you. Keep it up! I love the feeling of giving exams back the same day. My students love and benefit from instant feedback too. Helps them quickly learn the right answer when they get things wrong. Dr. Melissa Read

Monica, Indeed true. Short cuts often lead to more work because we have to complete tasks a second and third time. I believe in doing things once and right! Dr. Melissa Read

Joe, It sounds like you've had some important learning experiences that guide your time and stress management techniques today. That's great to hear. Now you are in a position to better manage your stress and to teach others about what works and what doesn't. It is rare for instructors to start out perfect in the way they manage themselves. These techniques take time, trial and error. Dr. Melissa Read

Skip, So glad to hear you are practicing good coping mechanisms, even during this course! It's great to take a step back and breath every once in a while, especially when we've got something important to accomplish. Dr. Melissa Read

Gay, Sounds like you have some interesting challenges, given your line of work. At the same time, your work situation may present some unique opportunities. Some instructors who work in spas leverage spa services to deal with stress. If this opportunity is available to you, you might give it a try! Dr. Melissa Read

Naila, Excellent strategy and this will save you a tremendous amount of time. It will also help you become a more effective instructor too! Dr. Melissa Read

Donna, It can be really tough when we feel like we don't have control over our schedules, classes and process for getting things done. Sometimes, instructors are just not in a position of authority to make these decision for themselves. However, other times, administrations offer some flexibility. Look for opportunities to participate in committees and task forces within your administration. Your participation may lead to greater control over the decisions that impact you. Dr. Melissa Read