Exercise is a major stress reliever. I used to think it was just cliche to say that, but it's true. Of course, we must also have a good diet.
Jo
I feel your stress. I used to teach part-time in addition to working two other jobs. We have to make time for relaxation and learn to say no.
Behavior management is one area that causes some stress for me. It doesn't happen too often, but when I do have a class with behavior issues,I fall back on my education and the support of my colleagues.
I found taking 10 minutes to myself everyday to breathe in and out. And let it all go and start again with a clear mind.
It's great to hear that you're able to walk away from your day so easily Casey. For most instructors, it's not that easy and the stress from the day tends to come home with them.
This is a pretty common problem for many instructors Jack. Yes, sometimes some tasks do fall of the radar as we focus our attention on others.
I have many stressors in my life since I work full time as a vice principal, teach 2 nights a week, take courses for my own professional growth and am a single mother. All of my "jobs" have varying levels of stressors. In my main job, for example, I have many responsibilities that occur beyond the regular work day. Some of these are required (such as attending school functions after hours) and others are self imposed. Finding enough time to do everything is often next to impossible.
Excercising has always been a great way to reduce stress in my life. Also taking the time to do things for me instead of for everyone else in my life I care about. Although I must say finding that time is not always easy.
For me its maintaining a full-time job, the parenting of two young children and other family responsiblities, continuing education (dissertation phase of PhD) and maintaining friendships. It always seems like I am scrambling around, or deficient in one of these areas at any given time.
The major stress in my teaching career are the students who never get their work in on time and expect special treatment. I understand that life happens but drama does not happen every single day. I am trying to learn how to not take their lack of motivation personally. Any ideas?
There are many stressful aspects of teaching at a college level. I believe college has prepared me for such an environment. Once I leave the building my stress is usually gone.
I definitely feel stressed when there are obstacles to my organization for example, being dependent on others to complete part of a task.
Stress is the unfulfillment of anticipated expectations. I tend to see more in a student then what they are willing to see in themselves. I have learned they have to fail first before they succeed.
That's a great attitude Maria because you have quite a schedule! Wish there was a little time for you in there. Maybe it's the drive from one place to the next where you get a little you time.
I am currently working as a sirgical assistant and works 7-8 hours a day, teach at night from 6-10, a mother of 2 teenagers and raising 2 nephews and i have to be sure that there is food, house is clean and close guard to my boys. I just laugh at it sometimes. well,
Single parent, caring for patients, providing a good education to students, working within work place confinements. My stress comes from a number of different areas
I agree that there are many causes of stress for any one person. However, for me the most common causes of stress are: organizational demands which are evoked by change-- and at times overwhelming amounts of student needs and demands--and as an instructor I am usually working under severe time constraints
Managing time between work and personal life. I feel a need to do an excellent job at work, but my family can suffer in the process. I guess this ties in with the previous module on time management.
Relationship building is a great strategy Cynthia. I'm glad you mentioned this. True that it takes time to gain trust but this is a great first step!
That's what it sounds like to me too Lawrence. Lots of these things can be dealt with best through a little up front preparation.
