Stress management
I find focusing on what stresses me out and reflecting on why it stresses me out helps to remove that stress more. I think thinking about why stress is so stressful helps to remove that negative energy from my mind.
Socorro, Great approach and so true. Sometimes the biggest problem is simply not having a handle on where our stress is coming from. Taking time to figure this out can make all the difference.
Dr. Melissa Read
It is important to find out what is causing the stress and then working it out. Personally I work it out by listening to smooth music and looking forward to a nice long drive with music.
It must be nice to work with people who regularly get together to just hang out - time to unwind. I don't live near any of my co-workers, so we don't have down time together. Everyone goes off in their own direction at lunch time as well. Therefore I relax with family members, my neighbors, and other non-work friends. Just having time away from the office is good for me - I like yard projects - listening to music, walking on the beach and watching the sun set.
I've found that when I learn to accept things for what they are, meaning "It Is What It Is" and stop trying to wrap my brain around the "WHYs", I handle the stress a lot better. I say to myself, "I am one person and all I can do is handle the issues one at a time".
James, Yes, collaboration with fellow faculty members can be a great source of new ideas and approaches. You are right, this can make a positive impact on how we teach as well as how we grade. It's nice to be able to work within a community that can support us like this.
Dr. Melissa Read
Scott, Good point. Getting emotionally involved and dwelling are common pitfalls for many instructors. Often times, it's our outlook and approach to our stress that makes the greatest difference on how we feel about it.
Dr. Melissa Read
I find if I know what stresses me I can deal with it. Keeping a positive attitude is a must also. Being negative and dwelling on what someone else has done wrong is probably one of the biggest things I’ve seen stress people out.
I find that when I talk to fellow workers that work in my same department we can discuss things that would make a positive impact on our courses. This seems to take some of the burden off my shoulders. Sometimes it can be a struggle to keep things going in a positive direction.
a positve attitude always helps but we have to remain motivated and by clearing out old materials we have a sense of accomplishment and renewed vigor for the next class .
That is very interesting. It gives me something to ponder, I've been the one who tries not to focus on stress and try to put it out of my mind. I guess dealing with the issues head on would force you to accecpt what will be, will be.
It's always about remaining positive. If you think you can achieve a goal, you will! Just remember to discard paper work that you no longer need. Periodic purging of paperwork gives you a more realistic idea of what you have yet to accomplish.
Jay, That's an interesting technique. For some instructors, focusing on the stressor works well. For others, life becomes even more stressful. Everyone is different and I'm glad you've found something that works well for you.
Dr. Melissa Read
Thinking why stress is so stressful may be missing the point. I do beileve that focusing on a good attitude helps lessen the magnitude of stress. I try not to focus on what stresses me out, but rather out solutions the remedy the concern.
