Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Meher, That's really tough. When we lose one source of income in the family, there's a lot that usually has to change to manage through it. Sounds like you have some nice coping mechanisms to rely on. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Causes of Stress

Alan, That's a tough challenge. Changes to the field, the technology or even the way course material is presented can all be forms of stress. This is particularly true for industries that change constantly. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Causes of Stress

Jamie, So true. There is so much potential for stress that we do not plan for or anticipate in life. This can be tough because it's hard to prepare for it. I recommend building a buffer into your schedule to make room for the unexpected. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Causes of Stress

Margarita, Gosh it sounds like life is tough for you right now. It's really hard when you experience stress from all sources in your life. Some instructors have peaceful home lives but stressful workplaces. Others have the opposite. It's tough when it's coming from everywhere. Hang in there and let's hope one of these sources of stress lets up! Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Robin, Sounds like you have a nice system in place. Great work. Some instructors find that post it notes don't help them because their tasks are scattered about multiple sheets of paper - often if different places. I'm glad however that this system is working well for you. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Causes of Stress

Susan, Sounds like you are dealing with a really stressful environment, and lots of stress from different sources. Yes, stress can come from our industry, our administrations, fellow faculty members and students too. The hope is that it doesn't all happen at once. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Jennifer, I love your concept about "me-minutes." Nice! Yes, even just a few of these can go such a long way and can help us cope with the complexities of work and life. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Causes of Stress

Sherry, I know where you're coming from and a lot of other instructors in this course feel the same way. It can be hard to balance administrative and student needs. There are a lot of competing demands in the college environment that require balance from us. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Lindsay, Thanks for sharing. You are certainly not alone in completing those easier tasks a little early. It's a common approach for many instructors. Sometimes, those little tasks are nice confidence builders that help give us the motivation and energy we need to take care of the harder things. If that's the case for you, perhaps they serve you well. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Causes of Stress

Michael, Sounds like you are experiencing stress from all sides in your professional life. That's a big challenge. I hope your home life is a little more peaceful! Dr. Melissa Read