Hi Stacy:
I agree that professionals need not be micromanaged. I recall a conversation I had with a Dean from another university that shared that he left his employment for his current job since he did not like how the adjunct professors he led were treated as if they had hourly manufacturing jobs where widgets were being monitored for productivity. I understood exactly what he was saying. This can get stressful for a person who has invested so much in their education but as you pointed out, we can reduce the stressors by staying ahead of requirements through earlier posting of assignments and thereby working at our own pace as professionals do. I find it useful to keep records of email response to students on a word document that I paste my email response. I also keep confirmation of posted attendance for ground classes since I have seen emails that publicly embarrass professors from the registrars office by listing their name for everyone to see for not doing so. This is not the best netiquette but it happens. Yet we can find ways to reduce the stressor by planning ahead or eliminate it altogether as the Dean had by working for another university.
Wanda
In order to eliminate some of the stress in my often too busy life, I intend to take time to breathe, stretch and exercise more frequently. I recently had a total knee replacement, and I discovered that these things make a big difference in my recovery. In addition, they reduced the amount of stress (and pain) I was experiencing at the time. I still have more to do to get my knee in shape, but using these strategies for stress reduction will be beneficial.
The stressor is micromanaging by administration. I try to prep more information for the course and do more than the minimums so there is no stress from emails telling me that I did not do something. I also try to post everything early to eliminate the stress. Lastly, I go to yoga twice a week and practice breathing exercises and share my stress with others to reduce that stress.
Organizing and managing my time better is an effective way to eliminate much of the stress in my life. By exercising, eating healthy and the elimination of unhealthy coping mechanisms are all great ways to reduce stress in life.
After taking this course, I realized that I do not address stress properly. I tend to overeat when I feel anxieties because it feels organic to me. I am going to start exercising more to help alleviate my stress because I hate exercise it never dawn on me to do it in stressful situations
I walk everyday and this does help with stress.
In coping with stress I have reorganized my schedule and I make sure and take time out for myself. I also rely more on my faith and I have rearranged my work load.
Love your approach Michelle. Yes, full body massage is definitely a great treat for the body, mind and spirit. I too struggle with caffeine. It's great during the day but does impact sleep significantly.
I find that getting a full body massage is a wonderful, occasional treat that restores my body, mind, and spirit! While I often have trouble relaxing (or getting my mind to quiet) early in the massage session, I almost always find myself very relaxed and calm later in the massage. Afterward, I feel happier, calmer, have better perspective, and am able to concentrate on and be more effective with tasks. I think this is a key coping mechanism for me!
I've occasionally tried using caffeine or staying up late trying to accomplish tasks on my to do list, but I find that I am unable to get any restorative sleep time and that I'm too tired the next day to fully function. Sometimes, I just have to draw the line and say that's all I'll be able to accomplish today… and go to bed. My to do list will still be there tomorrow, and I’ll be much more capable of handling it.
It sounds like you have many outlets Dana but you can't always get to all of them. I'd pick just one extra outlet at a time and work it into your schedule.
Sounds like a great plan Shukmei. Exercise works great when you are feeling stressed.
I like to talk with my mom over the phone when I have a break between classes. I also like to join some gym to do exercise over the weekend. Actually I have a running machine at home, but I never really use it. I will exercise when I feel stress out.
To cope with the stressors I have in my life, I try to include things that I enjoy. Spending time with my daughter and doing arts and crafts are two things that help me reduce stress. Going to church and singing also help with the stress level. I always feel renewed after leaving church. In the future I would like to take up running and more exercise. I would also love to have the time to get back to scrapbooking. I also have a good support system that is always willing to lend an ear.
Sounds like a great plan Wanda! Agonizing over things that can't be changed usually only wastes our time.
It sounds like you are doing some great things already to cope with stress but also that you have some things you'd like to do. I'd start small, incorporating the easy things in first.
Yes, many people have experienced the therapeutic benefits of martial arts. It's such a great way to reset and refocus.
Those all sound like great ideas Doris, but there are several things here that you list. If it feels overwhelming to make this much of a change, pick one thing and start with that.
Sounds like you have found a great coping mechanism Renee. Many instructors like you enjoy exercise as a way to deal with stress.
Dr. Melissa:
To cope with stressors I will not agonize over things that are not going to change but think of manageable solutions. I will continue to identify the best place and time for studying with a focus. I will eliminate stressors that are not working that I can change.
Wanda
I go to the gym after work fairly regularly. On days that are particularly challenging, I really feel the benefits of getting some exercise. I will continue to work out at the gym; and when I don't have enough time to go, can run around the park with my son.
