I will try making more time to get exercise regularly. I am far less active instructing full time compared tp working in the field and really need to find ways to be more physically active.
I really like to stop and take the deep breaths. I encourage my students to also do that, especially prior to an exam or quiz. I love the stretching, also. And I like to "run" in place while I am sitting at my desk. These really do work!
I belong to a small neighborhood gym very close to my home but I have never used it! My employer offers a health improvement service called "Healthy Roads" that offers online and phone-based coaching for health improvement strategies. Because I just got out of the hospital I needed my doctor's approval to take advantage of the coaching program. I'm faxing that approval this week and I plan to take advantage of the exercise coaching to help me get motivated to get into the gym and exercise regularly.
I belong to a low cost neighborhood gym very close to home but I have never used it! Our company offers a health improvement service in which coaching in many stress reduction programs is given over the phone and online. Because I just recently got out of the hospital, I had to get my doctor's approval to utilize the service (called "Healthy Roads") for exercise coaching that I plan to use to help me design a regular exercise program in the gym which I know will help reduce the stress I have in my life.
I knew I had experienced a lot of stress being a new instructor, but I did not realize some of the symptoms I was exhibiting were related to stress. I lesarned a lot from this module and will reduce my caffeine intake, exercise more regularly, stop watching television late at night to get to bed earlier, and stop trying to please everyone around me.
Thomas, Sounds like a great plan. More breaks can help. Sometimes, taking shorter, more frequent breaks instead of one long break is a good solution.
Dr. Melissa Read
Janice, Sounds like you've got a great list of coping strategies that work well for you. Nice work! I like how you mention journal. Not many instructors mention this technique but it's wonderful - and can happen anywhere you bring your journal and pen! It's nice to have that kind of flexibility.
Dr. Melissa Read
Take some time to breath and relax, or go for a short walk and get exercise
Inevitably, there will be stressors that cannot be eliminated or reduced. It is important to recognize what they are so that you can face them/cope with the stress. Good coping strategies that I might continue to use (and do more of) are: yoga/meditation/journaling/talking to an impartial person about the issues (like a friend who is not involved directly with the issue).
try going for a run or workout more
Amy, Sounds like a great plan! It's important to prioritize YOU - so I'm glad to hear your walk will become a priority. What's great is that when you make yourself a priority, you are often better at helping others.
Dr. Melissa Read
Exercise on a more regular basis. Take breaks and share what I find to be stressful with my co-workers.
I will make taking a walk around the block a priority. When I leave the classroom on a break and get outside I can come back to the students and the teaching tasks at hand with a calmer more positive mind set.
Some of the anti-stressors such as exercise, I already perform regularly. I tend to hold things in so it may be good to discuss some of these issues with others in my field to see if we can have some common ground to help lessen or eliminate the stress.
Some of the issues discussed in "conflict management" courses can also be helpful in reducing stress because even if the conflict is with yourself, some of the suggestions in these books and courses can be of assistance such as separating the person from the problem or coming up with solutions "outside the box" such as adding material or deleting it from a syllabus if time is running out.
Elizabeth, You raise a great point. Sharing is a good strategy, but it's important to make sure that we don't overshare. We don't want to burden our loved ones or make them feel like we only take a negative approach. Sometimes, to do lists are better outlets for us.
Dr. Melissa Read
Steven, Good point. When we exercise, we do tend to sleep better. Getting better sleep also makes us more effective during the day. So doing one good thing for ourselves can lead to a wealth of positive benefits.
Dr. Melissa Read
Keith, Indeed true. Fishing is a wonderful way to relax and unwind! Hiking is also great exercise and a wonderful stress outlet.
Dr. Melissa Read
I think the method of getting fresh a hiking or doing so activite you enjoy will reduce the amount of streess in your life mine is fishing
I will join a gym. I'll not only reduce stress, i'll get in shape, loose weight, and feel better about myself
I play hockey twice a week. after each game i feel totally relaxed for days. this is a big help for me in releiving personal and proffessional stressors. I not only feel more relaxed. i sleep much better. If something comes up that stresses me. i like to go outside for a couple of minutes and take some deep breaths
