Just recognizing that Im getting stressed out and then taking some deep breaths helps. Getting some exercise when I get home is a great stress reducer, no matter what the activity. Taking a walk or playing tennis is helpful.
I go to a nurses group that discusses stressors on the job and how to deal with them also.
I am fortunate in where I live and that I am surrounded by fields and animals. Ithis module has reinforced what I know already but now need to act on it - exercise, even just walking the dogs, stepping out of my office and walking around the garden - these are things that help to increase my productivity and therefore reduce stress.
Getting enough sleep and exercise are very helpful to reduce stress. Talking to someone is also another way to help reduce stress
I am a single mother who works several jobs and this sometimes becomes a stressor in my life as an instructor. To cope, I have a lot of family support and I have committed myself to taking at least an hour walk at least 3 times a weeks. This certainly helps and bending the ear of my friends and family help me as well!
Teresa, I like the idea going into each task with realistic expectations of yourself. Sometimes, we are our very worst critics. Aligning internally on your goals and capabilities can really help give you confidence that you're doing everything you can to succeed.
Dr. Melissa Read
Sari, Sounds like you have found a wonderful work environment. Having people who can make you laugh, and who you can laugh with, can make a world of difference. Laughter really puts things into perspective.
Dr. Melissa Read
Kimberly, It's really good to walk outside during these kinds of breaks when the weather is nice. Taking a step back can really help to clear our heads, making us better teachers when we return.
Dr. Melissa Read
I often tiems have 5-10 minutes between classes and I should get out and get some fresh air. Many times when I get to work I never go back outside until I am leaving for the day and I don't even know what the weather is doing. I am going to start taking a break in between my classes to de-stress.
I think laughter is a great way to deal with stressors that cannot be eliminated or reduced. I'm lucky that I work with co-workers that I can always count on for a good laugh!
One of the biggest things I can do for myself is to realize I am human, and humans on occasion make mistakes. When a mistake happens realize it, learn from it, then let it go.
Another good thing to do in regards to stress is to take time for me in some kind of physical activty (walk the dogs etc) or just plain me time. I love reading books (as a lot of educators do) and when I need to take time for me a should read for pleasure, even if it is just a chapter (off the clock that is).
Exercising is my plan to deal with stressors I can't reduce or eliminate. I also plan on maintaining my relaxing hobbies like reading for pleasue and growing me roses!
Take a break from the stressor(s) in your life by taking a walk, stretching along with deep breaths, getting a massage, talking with someone about the situation. Making sure you get good quality of sleep and drink plenty of water and eating properly.
Personally, for the stressors I can't do anything about I will simply turn to My God for the strength to endure them the best I can and then go on to the things that I do have some controls over.I am blessed with not having many areas of stress that I don't have some controls over. I feel that most of the stressors we have are like self inflicted wounds anyway. I try my best to not put myself in such positions to begin with but when confronted with stressors I deal with them and refuse to be controled by them...Paul T. Rougemont
Sometimes, instructors on campus get together to walk around the building! Our campus is located on a major highway, so it isn't possible to walk on sidewalks near here. When it's raining, we walk around the inside of the building together!
Also, in our faculty lounge, we have a small area off to the side with 2 comfortable chairs. It can be a nice place to spend a few minutes of our 10 minute breaks each hour. A couple instructors also use this space to kick up their feet and take a quick nap. As a sleep technologist, I endorse the benefit of a quick, well-timed nap!!
I think exercising , listening to music, and finding relaxing activities can help a person cope with the different types of stressors.
In the last few weeks I have been walking every day. I feel good and I can tell that I am better ready for class after a good walk. I have been getting to work early and this gives me time to realy get ready and think before my class arrives.
I do see my stress level going down it is great. I also am sleeping better.
When I have a stressful week I unwind by doing unstressful things on the weekend. I like to go hiking, take long walks, work in the garden , or help my wife with housekeeping. The more physical the better.
I believe I will work on exercising more regularly and also using breathing techniques. I had learned about breathing techniques in college and found them to be quite effective, but have not been using them to benefit me as much as I can. I also think it helps to talk out your stressors with others.
I have a father with Alzheimer. There is no way to remedy the fact that he needs constant care from my mother. That thought is always in my mind. This has also taught me a huge lesson. That is the reason I quit my last two jobs and decided to teach online and do some computer consulting. I have reduced all my debt as low as possible, and have a new take in life now. My home is located also in a rural area, but a few minutes drive back to the city. Going outside and taking a few breathes makes a whole world of difference.
Lisa, Sounds like you have developed some wonderful stress coping mechanisms that help you in a crisis. I really love the idea of stepping away. This can be critical to your success. Breathing and self coaching work great too.
Dr. Melissa Read
