Jarrod, That sounds tough. Sometimes back to back teaching can be painful. If you can step out ever so briefly, even to just get a drink of water or a snack, it could make a difference. I understand that's not always possible.
Dr. Melissa Read
Charlie, Sounds like a great approach. It's nice to be able to focus a little more on you. Yes, try to enjoy your vacations more - even if they are just the weekends. It's nice to be able to indulge in a break every now and then.
Dr. Melissa Read
Since some stressors cannot be eliminated, there are few choices for addressing them. However, exercise, thoughtful consideration, and taking time to enjoy life can help. I hope to increase my minutes of exercise each week and try to enjoy vacations (and weekends) as the regeneration they should be.
THE END OF THE FIRST CLASS TO THE START OF THE SECOND IS THE STRESSFULL PART OF THE DAY TO ME AND THERE IS NO TIME TO UNWIND AND REGROUP FOR ROUND TWO .... IT IS STRESSFULL SOMETIMES
James, All great points. I should note that sometimes the teachers lounge or break room is not a place to have a nice break at all. It can be filled with the stress of the many other faculty members in your school. I think you are right to take a step back and take a break in another place.
Dr. Melissa Read
Pete, Yes, all of these ideas are good. I especially like the one about re-exploring old hobbies. It's never too late to give up on your dreams, outlets and the things you really love.
Dr. Melissa Read
Ryan, All great points. I particularly like the one about attitude and I've observed this to be true in many instructors. Our perspective can make such a difference on the way we experience the world. Staying positive is key.
Dr. Melissa Read
Taking short breaks really does help. When looking out the window in the teachers’ lounge for 5-10 minutes, I can feel tension draining from my back and neck muscles. Getting away for only a few minutes helps me to restore perspective.
Also, sharing concerns with other instructors is a great stress reliever. Often, another instructor will share with me methods they have found to be successful when dealing with stress-producing events in the classroom. Regardless, just sharing with another person seems to relieve stress and helps to place a better perspective on stressful situations.
I have a few stressors that cannot be eliminated and I'm going to try a few things at the same time. Take the time to talk more about my daily challenges with someone,start going to bed an hour earlier and follow up on a hobbie that was put on hold some time ago.
Robert, Sounds like you have found two great coping mechanisms. That's good to hear. Sharing and withdrawing to take some time for yourself are both nice techniques.
Dr. Melissa Read
William, Yes, that's the right approach. It's critically important to let go of things that are out of our control. Otherwise we tend to drive ourselves crazy.
Dr. Melissa Read
Craig, It's wonderful to hear that you are leading your students through exercises that reduce their stress. In the process of teaching others, you probably remind yourself of some things that work for you too.
Dr. Melissa Read
I think family challenges will alway be a stressor for most people. a change attitude toward relative will improve thier attitude towards you. Knowing that the stress is even a problem will be the frist step in truly growing into a better person and better conections.
I think I need to identify stressors that I can do something about, but also those I cannot. Those I can fix, I will take care of, but those I cannot, I will find a way to seriously cope.
Exercise and breathing help alot with reducing stress. I talk to my students prior to exams about breathing exercises to help them relax, so they will not panic when they start the exam. What helps me to relax is to get on my motorcyle and ride. There is nothing better.
Making a list of what is the stressors in our life is objective one! Assessing how they are affecting our home and work life would be two. Not all stress is a bad thing. It can be a motivator. For me, I like "my" time so I can evaluate what truly is a stressor and what simply annoys or bothers me.
There are many stressors in my life. To cope with them I mainly use sharing or just spend some time alone and in a comfortable setting to just relax.
Daniel, It can be a downward spiral when we abandon our coping mechanisms to get work done. While there are short-term gains, we often experience long term setbacks. It's good to hear you have a healthy respect for the balance you needs.
Dr. Melissa Read
Jared, Interesting approach. Some instructors turn their hobby into a full time job. This sometimes diminishes their interest and enjoyment in the hobby. I like your approach of keeping the work you love as a great outlet but not something mandatory that you have to do.
Dr. Melissa Read
Based on what I learned in this module i need to start running again. When I started getting to stressed about things i stopped running so i would have more time to get task completed. I noticed that I got even more stressed about a couple of weeks after I stopped. I thought it was I just had more on my plate.
