stress
being able to manage and deal with stress is very important to the health of and instructor
this is so true , if you are unable to deal with strees then your work will suffer as well not only for the student but also for yourself.
Sounds like you have a healthy approach to stress Tammy. Keep up the great work. Yes, there are some things that we just can't control. For some, we've just got to let go.
I tend not to get stressed out over too much. I deal with things as they come and it seems to keep me stress free. I realize there is only so much that is within my control and can live with that.
Interesting David. The feeling of control in the class vs the field varies by instructor. I'd be curious to learn more about why you feel this way.
I have taught for about 2 years now. I find that I have more control in the class room than in the field.
Thanks for this very thoughtful post. It sounds like you had a lot of stress when you were part of the sandwich generation Billie. It's stressful when you have to both take care of an elderly parent as well as children. Many instructors find themselves in this situation. Some must also care for a sick and / or unemployed spouse. This is where things really get tough. I agree with your method of concentrating on one thing at a time. Keeps things manageable I'm sure.
Having taught for over 40 years, I guess I have just figured out a way to deal with stress that works for me. My four children have grown and left home. When my parents were alive, I had to check on them daily and help with errands and doctor appointmants. During those times I had a scedule on campus that varied each quarter both day and night. As I got older I tried to opt out of night school. When it looked as if I would be forced to work day and night, I jumped at a chance to work full-time online. Now I have grandchildren in our home occasionally during the day and must juggle their school schedules with my work.
I have learned to just concentrate on my job one day at a time. On the weekends, I mentally figure out my deadlines for the week, which days I will have little ones in the house and which evenings I must travel to babysit. I get up in the mornings and start in on my teaching. But whenever children are in the house, you must be flexible. I have learned not to let the minor disruptions bother me. Being online provides me with the flexiblity of hours that I can work early or late when I need to. My students and my fellow instructors appreciate knowing that my hours are flexible and that they can reach me almost any time by computer or cell phone. It works well for online! By changing my venue for teaching, I have greatly reduced my stress levels.
