Your time should be YOUR time
When taking the opportunity to de-stress, use the time for your own stress relieving needs. Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed, go to the library, go for a walk on the beach (if you're in Florida), make it YOUR time!
I make the mistake of "my time" being the time when i do other at home business tasks.
I just saw a TED talks with a speaker Garr Reynolds and he says he goes out to the bamboo for his time and talks to the bamboo.
I realized that I go out to the backyard where I can see all the stars and constellations. I name as many as I can and realize how small we are down here. That is my time.
Ronald, It sounds like you have done a nice job of setting expectations. I know this isn't easy with students because we want to give them everything. Setting limits though can make you so much better of an instructor in the end, because you will have the rest you need to do the best job.
Dr. Melissa Read
I do believe that my time should be for me. My students have a tendency to email me on the weekends. I have explained to them that I will respond when I have a chance, but I may not always be able to respond as soon as they would like.
I agree that this is a good way to not only relieve existing stress, but also to prevent the accumulation of added stress as well. I find that after I've decompressed a bit, I am more focused when taking on new responsibilities. If my human "batteries" have been somewhat "recharged", I'm more apt to manage both my time and my tasks more effectively without feeling frustrated.I have recently started telling my students that YES, they can call me with questions, however, please be respectful of MY time with my family and to reach out to me before 7:00pm.
