Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

I feel the same way Patricia! Being able to check off items on your list gives you a feeling of accomplishment and confidence -- being on top of things. It's a great process to go through and helps you stay motivated and on task. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Indeed true Andrew. As long as we are careful not to unload too much, sharing with out colleagues is usually a wonderful outlet. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Theodore, Lots of great points here. I too have experienced the benefits of talking things out with others who are in similar situations. They often have the very best advise in having walked in my shoes. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Marie, This is a common process for instructors. Often times, it feels less stressful to just knock things off the list completely when they can be addressed quickly. Sometimes this process makes our final to do list feel less daunting. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Shobha,sounds like you do a great job of setting expectations up front. This is so important to do. When students have a good structure and context to work within, they tend to excel. When they are unclear on our expectations and requirements, they are less successful and less focused. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Sounds like a great plan Jonathan! Dialing up constructive coping mechanisms like physical activity while decreasing negative mechanisms is the key. Some instructors find that it's hard to give up vices. For those, I recommend just focusing on healthy coping mechanisms and letting the vices gradually diminish. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Joan, I agree. Sometimes we just have to keep moving forward. As long as we feel confident that we are on target to our goals, pressing on can be the key. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Causes of Stress

Wow, three teen-age boys sound tough Angela. When kids become teens, we do experience an extra layer of stress. Then they go to college and our worries change. It doesn't always get easier, but the kind of stress we experience is different over time. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Chanel, Interesting points about cooking and cleaning. I call these activities 'brainless tasks.' They are great when you need to let your mind just rest. It can be fun to knock out a few easy tasks too - great confidence builders. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

So true Denise. I am lost without my to do list. I forgot to bring it to work just the other day and it was tough. These lists make such a difference on our productivity. Dr. Melissa Read