Those are all great approaches Kenneth! I particularly appreciate your suggestion of stopping to smell a flower. Enjoying the small and simple things in life can really help us 'hit the reset button' every now and then.
Exercise and walking while listening to music. Lay down under the shade of a tree and take in nature. Stop and smell a flower.
Stress will kill you. Having just gone through a separation, it's hard to balance stress at home and at the work place. Exersice and faith is very helpful.
I used to do Yoga, and I remember being a lot lessed stressed when I did! I think I might take it up again. This would be an excellent way to make a little space in my life for some stress-reduction measures.
Exercising is the key to a sharp mind and it keeps you in good physical shape as well. It will make you a better person and an even better teacher!
Unfortunately, most of the stressors in my life cannot be eleminated. I am lucky in that I have learned and use many skills to help me deal with them. I talk to my co-workers often about what is gong on and I find that talking to others helps a great deal to reduce my stress. I have a wonderful wife and best friend, the same person, at home and I am abloe to talk to her to assist me as well, as a therapist she knows how to talk me off of the ledge if need be. There are some things that I cnnot bring home to my wife but I have eh=nough friends and confidants amongst my coworkers to help me out when needed.
This is a tough situation to deal with Trena. Pulling the student aside and letting them know the impact of their behavior is a good start. Some students are not aware of how their behavior impacts others, including their fellow classmates.
Make a list of the one to reduce and eliminate things which cause me to get stressed. I always have at least one student who distracts my classroom environment. Depending on the students personality depends on how I cope with the situation. Most of the time, I just get more annoyed as the day goes on. Any ideas on this?
Ha! I like how you keep this all in the same sentence Alreta. So important to be engaged and interested in the kind of activities we select for our exercise routines.
Joel, I guess I went to the same class as you. I have attempted on being more realistic as well.
I once had a person that reminded me how much time I devote to doing for others. I work overtime for an employer without pay . . . just to get the job done. Why is that I can't work just a few minutes overtime doing something that will ONLY BENEFIT ME! That was my cue . . .
Exercise and fun . . . in the same sentence. Yes, definitely the key to keeping it low stress!
As a wife, mother, employee and instructor, I have many stressors in my life. I will increase my exercise. It will definitely help me to cope with my stressors. Proper exercise and getting enough sleep will be key health stress coping skills.
For me the coping is to find balance and to work in exercise and rest with a good night of sleep.
Sleep is one of the best things anyone can do to improve productivity.
I plan to exercise and get better quality of sleep. I am awakened often because of our dogs. I will change their eating habbits so I won't have to get up to take them out side to potty.
I like your approach Michael and I agree. Stress identification is a good first step - especially when we can learn more about the origins of our stress. Understanding the problem areas helps us come up with good short and long term solutions.
EXERCISE! EAT RIGHT AND MORE IMPORTANTLY SLEEP!
One of the main causes of stress is adapting to any new job or situation which we have suddenly landed in. For some students is the first time that they have lived outside the nurturing and protective security of the family unit.
Many people do not believe in the Birthday Signs, but I am a Virgo and one of my "stressors" is organization and "things" accomplished immediately. I do not like to put off until tomorrow no matter the time it takes to complete a task. I find I would rather do it myself, have it done right (or how I think it should be done right) than deligate.
After reading Coping with Stress I have made a list of things that I think will take away much of the stress. One of the things on the list is time out! I have a beautiful Sunroom with flowers, plants and a water fountain. On weekends I spend relaxing time there, but I find myself sitting in the office working on paperwork and constantly trying to improve what does not always need to be improved. I am going to move my work station to the Sunroom. I have also setup several items on my list to delegate and not try to "run".
Today I took a walk at lunch just to get away from the students and the stress. I came back with a clear head.
I get more physically active, eat more regularly and also put the best interest of my students ahead of my own agenda.
