Fatigue stress
Sometimes my teaching job requires a 14hr day in front of a class. One class in the morning and one in the evening. We work in 3 week phases so by the 3rd week I'm exhausted. What are some good tips at combatting the stress you get from fatigue?
Amanda,
I believe when we talk balance it has to do with our entire day. We never leave everything in one place so our balance practices are for our existence everywhere we reside in a day. The best practices work in all situations. Those are the activities that work for you.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I agree with the previous statements about balance and stepping away (walking around campus and eating healthy, etc...).
I think it is equally important that when you are not working, NOT TO WORK! It is so common to take work stressors home with you when you are gone from the office. It effects your home life, as well as contributes to overall fatigue (feeling like you can NEVER get away is stressful in itself!). I truly believe that it is AS important to "take time for yourself" away from work to combat work stressors, as it is to implement stress relievers AT work.
Spending time with my pets, family, and friends ALWAYS relaxes and helps me decompress and re-energize after a particularly difficult/stressful week(s)! Also, treating myself to quality "me time" (going to a movie, reading a book, exercise, etc...) really helps take the edge off too!
Fatemeh,
Your practice is on the mark. We need to keep our lives in balance with healthy practices. Good health, exercise, recreation, mental enjoyment and spiritual rejuvenation is part of this balance.
Dr. Gary Carlson
Hi Jarred, I thought about your situation and it is similar to my own. I think that two activities have been helpful for me:
1. taking a daily walk around the campus grounds when the sun is out
2. eating a good lunch and sticking to fruit and veggies for snacks.
Jarred,
Those activities the make you happy can resolve the stress. I can attest to the fact that my challenges on the job over 43 years were stressful at times but I wouldn't have traded them for anything else. When you have found the right fit for you on the job the stress is tolerable. We all need to love our job. I also found the best practices for stress reduction is leading a balanced life. Balance comes in eating healthy, exercise(walking, running, gym, tennis, golf, etc.), mental relaxation (reading, meditation, music) and spiritual rejuvenation.
Dr. Gary Carlson
