Hello All,
Reflecting upon the stresses within my life will definitely assist me in understanding areas of stress. One way I reduce stress to write everything down in a planner so that it is not on my mind. I try to maintain a positive attitude but as we all know stress is always just around the corner. I think that dealing with stressors is a daily occurrence and being able to manage it effectively is important. I will use a few of the tips presented within this module to assist me in creating a stress free or as stress free as it can be lifestyle.
I think the major stressor is simply the lack of organization I place upon myself. I have learned some valuabel lessons from this class in creating lists and priorities. I hope to enact them in the new year.
I find that I put off tasks, or more exactly "touch them more than once." For example I will read the e-mail but not answer it until later. Also with paperwork I will take it out but not put it back until later. I am trying hard now to finish each task or action before going on to another, but it is a constant challenge forming this new habit.
There are a number of causes of stress from the workload on the full time job to what to fix for dinner on a daily basis. People who don't understand that you have class or grading to do become annoyed with you.
About 2 years ago I found myself getting more and more stressed out. I was in the middle of a house building project that didn't go well. I had to fire my general contractor and take over the job to get things done (A job I never had done before). This hindered me from working in my carrier field.
After a year of doing that I realized that I got even more depressed by not working in the field that I loved then being exhausted from working hard. I decided to start teaching at a carrier college to get me back in the groove. So this year I felt much more fulfilled and inspired again despite long days. All this taught me to become much more efficient and organized and to learn to delegate better.
1. Taking my son to school - logistical
2. Grading Papers - college requirements
3. Answering Emails - college requirements
4. Performing tasks related to my own business - logistical
If I review these items, I maybe able to save time and reduce my stress level.
I work a more than full time job that requires travel, I also run a cattle company, my dad is in the hospital having major surgery - I have traveled away from my home for 2 weeks to care for him, my husband is upset that I have been away for so long, this trip has cost alot of money, I also teach part time and I have no time for myself. I still remember people's birthdays, anniversaries, sit on a board of directors for a state agency, bake cookies, clean the house, am a type I diabetic and I'm not sure what else. I simply just do things as they come.
My stressors
Personal
-2 toddlers that need/want attention 24/7; they still don't sleep through the night!
-keeping up household duties; often I feel so overwhelmed with what I have to do, I get nothing done at all
-home projects that are half started and still need to be finished (need to put together my home "to-do" list and prioritize it!)
-the economy
-husbands recent health problems
-finding a babysitter so that I can get to my appointments
-feeling exhausted all the time
Professional
-students that turn in late assignments and then expect those assignment to be graded within 72 hours
-the wild email excuses students give; I guess they could be true, but, how many health problems can a class of 35 students really have???
-grading 70 essays twice a week and coming up with comments for each of those essays
-commute
-live chats when no one attends; not sure why this stress me out other than I take time to prepare but no one appreciates it
Adrienne,
Just reading your post made me feel stress free for a moment. I like your "near spa" recommendation. I think my new goal is to try to finish my work by 11 PM so I can try this before I go to bed at midnight. What a way to end a stressful day.
I currently work full time in a medical office that requires 40+ hours. Since we have a shortage of employees I have taken on more responsiblites over the last two years. I am now to the point where I can barely keep up.
I am also teaching part time. I am lucky that I am able to set my hours and can do this all from my home. However, I do have class twice a week and grading to keep up on. Depending on my class size and the amount of extra time some students require this can add addtional stress.
At home I have two children that I need to care for. My husband has a set schedule and works 24-hour shifts when he works. I really need to concentrate on my class when he is home to take care of the kids. This means I am in my office while my family spends time together. It is stressful when you feel that work is coming before your family.
On top of that I have my own personal goal of finishing my degree. I get really discouraged when trying to figure out a class schedule that would work with my already busy schedule.
Wow, these are definitely major sources of stress. The good news is that some of these are temporary. Earning a Ph.D. for example is a difficult challenge and can cause years of stress as you know. But once you complete your degree, life becomes much different and can feel far less stressful.... unless you decide to take on a new big challenge.
Wow, it sounds like you are dealing with a lot James. Yes, it can be very frustrating to do our students favors, only to have them disappoint us by making more demands in return. Perhaps it would be helpful to stand by your course policies a little more consistently. For example, perhaps try not accepting late assignments.
Deborah, the best thing I ever did was start teaching online. You still have the stress of what the institution expects, the student demand and the grading of papers and tests but you at least have the opportunity to be home. Of course even though being home your family doesn't always understand that you have to work different hours and they expect you to be able to drop everything in a drop of the hat. You are right though once you do get a routine down it does become a little easier. Do you take anytime for yourself to help reduce your stress? Do you find time to do anything you like to do?
Melissa, the question is what does not cause stress. I am a reasonable instructor and will accept late work from students but then when they don't receive a grade right away they get upset. So the fact that I am willing to accept late work and then when they don't get a grade immediately they get angry and then that stresses me because I am trying to be nice and work with the student because I know how life happens. Constantly having to answer e-mails can bring a level of stress. I am a divorced father who has a shared custody so when my children are here they expect all my attention and they don't take into account that I have to work which brings me stress because I try to be everything to them. So in my life I have stress from the workplace and my personal life.
The main area of stess in my life is time and jugglins a heavy load, but now one (major) thing just got finished, so I look forward to extra time and a reduces stress load :-)
Gardner,
I agree with you about talking to no one on live chats. This is stressful and poor use of time.
Hi Dr. Read,
Here are some of my stressors:
1. A Ph.D. Program. I have been working on this degree for 5.5 years. I completed my first oral defense and successfully advanced to candidate status. The one thing that I must say is that I will be glad when it is over! Overall, things have gone well for me in the program. I am earning every bit of this degree.
2. I am teaching and building a business. I am stressed by multiple deadlines and grading, but other than that I enjoy life.
Hi Dr. Read,
Here are some of my stressors:
1. A Ph.D. Program. I have been working on this degree for 5.5 years. I completed my first oral defense and successfully advanced to candidate status. The one thing that I must say is that I will be glad when it is over! Overall, things have gone well for me in the program. I am earning every bit of this degree.
2. I am teaching and building a business. I am stressed by multiple deadlines and grading, but other than that I enjoy life
Jo,
I used to work out every now and then. Over the past couple of months, I decided that I will put myself first for a change. I saw my weight creeping up and decided to do something about it. I teach online, so I am sedentary. Now, I get up in the morning, let my dog out, then walk on the treadmill or pop in an exercise video for 20 to 30 mins. I do this at least 5 days a week. I feel much better putting myself first in the morning and doing something good for my health! I already eat a good diet, so that is not a problem for me.
In the evening is when your "near spa" experience begins! If you do not have time or money to go for a massage, then take a nice hot bath with the tub filled up high with water. WalMart sells all kinds of bath salts and bubble bath products that are very soothing. While enjoying your bath, dim the lights or light candles. I drink a small glass of wine or even a warm cup of low fat milk. You can download spa music from the internet for about $1.00. You can also download (for free) the AIM 6 (AOL Instant Messenger). It takes up very little space on your computer. It is not the full blown version. It contains online radio with many different genres of music. You can locate relaxing music on AIM and play it directly from your computer at no cost. Listen to some 'spa' music or other relaxing music and turn down the lights to get yourself relaxed and ready for bed. You should dim the lights in your room, so that your brain signals sleep. I hope this helps to simulate an inexpensive "near spa" experience at home for you!!!
1. Requirements for live chats when students do not attend. Talking to no one is stressful, especially when the time is mandated. Talking for 1 hour with no one present is a waste of time and stressful.
2. Personal activities-teaching, church activities, civic activities, volunteer activities, home life, children, etc.
