I like your approach Kristin. So many instructors try to do too much for others. When they overextend themselves and don't take care of them, they eventually burn out. Taking time for you is an important step in ensuring that you'll be able to help others long term.
Dr. Read,
Part of managing my stress is taking time for myself so I will be better able to meet my responsibilities. In today’s busy world, it is easy to devote every spare moment to work, school, family, and friends. But I have to remember that making myself a priority can benefit all those other activities as well by helping me become a more relaxed, focused, and productive person. If I am in a positive state of mind, I am more likely to be productive as well as receptive to the world around me.
Also, accepting the support of people around me, whether they are friends, relatives, or other instructors, can help me deal with negative experiences. Supportive people can remind me to keep perspective on whatever is bothering me. They can support and commiserate with me, and they know what I am going through like no one else does.
Best,
Kristin Horton
Yes, setting smaller goals is a fantastic approach Chelsea. This typically helps instructors stay organized and motivated to move forward.
I have started to implement a to do list and prioritize my tasks better (especially the long lists of essays that I grade). I also think that eating healthy, getting adequate rest, and exercising can help manage stress and help people keep a level head.
Is is more effective , in terms of grading essays and such, to divide the workload up into smaller increments? Setting smaller goals?
This is true Clifton. It is nice to be able to share and identify with others who are going through similar situations.
I like to use family and friends to share with when things really get to me. You might find out that you are not the only one that has the same problems.
Excellent work Wanda! It's nice to hear you are able to fit so many stress reducing mechanisms in while traveling. That is an art, but well worth the effort.
Jennifer:
I wore a pedometer today and discovered I took 1100 steps while touring colleges. This further motivated me. You might want to try this too while walking around your building.
Wanda
Gregory:
I encourage you to make yourself a priority to get back to your bikes. You will discover that you will function more efficiently which contributes to good time management thereby reducing stress.
Wanda
Hello Dr. Melissa:
This week I have been traveling on business before the session begins on October 3, 2010 while spending time with fellow board members visiting colleges in Colorado. I have been staying in hotels with fitness centers and using them. I have reestablished my routine of 25 minutes of morning exercise. I have added 20 minutes of meditation every other day opposite my exercise days. This evening I attended West African Dance class for 1 1/2 hours which is rigorous and enjoyable. I consider this my coping mechanisms and the way that I recharge.
Once the session starts I will continue the exercise and meditation Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and exercise Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.After watching Sybil Shepard on Oprah today she said her grandmother told her not to go to far to the right or left but chose the balanced path.I like this philosophy as one of my stressors is politics serving as a board member in higher education.There is alot of tension due to upcoming elections. So I find it best to just listen instead of getting into emotional political debates which do not serve to change the opponents position.So this is energy that can be conserved.
Wanda
Those sound like very healthy snacks Sarah. But I understand what you mean about not having something hot. Try eggs in a cup - put egg whites in a mug and heat them up in the break room microwave. Also try hot, decaf tea.
I have got to get with the exercise program and cut the coffee intake. One thing I did do for myself is try to eat right. When you start classes at 7:15 am and finish at 1:30 and have a 15 minute break with one class and 5 with the other it is impossible to even go heat something up. I have started bringing fruits and nuts and cheese and an occassional hard boiled egg or salad and I drink lots and lots of water.
This helps me alot.
I think it's great that you found exercise as both a weight loss and stress reduction tool. You are right. Even exercising just a few times a week can make a dramatic difference in the way we look and feel about ourselves.
I have begun to exercise as way to lose weight. It has been very effective for that, but I have found that a wonderful side effect has been the reduction of stress. Even if I can just exercise a few times a week, I feel far less stressed than if I am moving non-stop all week long. For those stressors that cannot be eliminated or reduced, this is a great way for me to cope with them.
Yes, task prioritization is key Jennifer. Emails can't be handled all at once. We've got to first check on which ones are most important and most urgent.
I completely agree Richard. It's amazing how exercise can be so good for both your body and your mind.
Exercise has been one of the best coping mechanism I have to deal with necessary stresses. Just clearing your mind and physical activity can offer a great way to find peace and refocus on the job.
The most valuable thing I learned from this module is to prioritize my tasks. For example, I frequently get stressed when I have a bunch of emails coming in. I now know I should prioritize them and then respond.
I definately like the idea of writing down the stressors in your life. In doing so it seems to make things more manageable thus reducing the stress in your life. I think work could become a little less overwhelming if we just make that list.
I walk 30 - 60 minutes 5 days a week. In addition I take 15 minutes some time during the day for me, myself and I. If I am completely overwhelmed then I sit down with a beer and call dear old mom :)
All the above work well for me!
Kelli
