Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Sounds frustrating Rachel. For some instructors, the work truly never ends. As one tasks ends the next begins. It can feel like there's no way to work your way out. I recommend setting reasonable goals for yourself each day. When goals are completed, go ahead and stop, take a step back and experience the sense of closure that crossing things off of your list can give.

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Ha! Really love your outlook Carol and what a wonderful saying. So true too. Our problems don't define us. Instead, the way we handle them does.

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

This is a great strategy Rosita. Many instructors benefit from deep breathing and you can do this anywhere.

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Sounds like you need to jump start your old routine Mary. It's easy to fall off track with things like sickness, new tasks or even the holidays. But if you had a good routine going before, go ahead and see if you can pick things up where you left off. It's ok to start slow too!

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

It's very important to listen Harry so I'm glad to hear you are on top of that. Yes, students do face many challenges. It's not just about what they have to do to earn their degree. It's about everything else. Approaching them from a place of understanding is the best first step.

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Thanks for sharing Holly! Yes, children who grow up in environments that give them responsibility tend to have developed good organizational skills. Sounds like your childhood gave you lots of time to develop great time management skills. As an adult, it's probably easy for you to transfer those skills into other areas - like your work life.

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Causes of Stress

Great overview Carol. What I'm hearing is that you experience many different kinds of stressors in different environments (e.g. home, family). Also, some stressors that created major challenges in the past have evolved and changed. It's good to take a step back and look at the landscape of your stress, where it comes from and how it changes.

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Yes, list makers often fall into the trap of immediacy Sarrah. If we are naturally oriented toward staying on top of things, sometimes we swing too far in that direction. Keeping yourself in check starts with recognizing you may have a problem with immediacy and slowing down just a touch.

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Causes of Stress

Indeed! Walks are great because - weather permitting - they can happen anywhere. And even when the weather is bad, you can still walk the halls.

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Yes, good organization really can put you in control Willie. It's a great feeling when we are completely on top of things.