Shellie, Great plan - especially the bubble baths. It's wonderful to build some time into your schedule to just enjoy life. Not a lot of instructors do it, or feel guilty for doing so. You should know it's a healthy strategy and one that will likely make you more productive when you return to your tasks.
Dr. Melissa Read
Indeed true Andrew. As long as we are careful not to unload too much, sharing with out colleagues is usually a wonderful outlet.
Dr. Melissa Read
I will definitely start making lists of stressors, employ actions to eliminate or reduce them, develop better time management plans, and take more bubble baths.
Make sure I get enough water per day, get more sleep, cont attend Yoga on weekends
I find that it helps to discuss your stress issues with your colleges. I have found that they usually share the same issues and by communicating with one another it helps to relieve some of the tension caused by stress.
Theodore, Lots of great points here. I too have experienced the benefits of talking things out with others who are in similar situations. They often have the very best advise in having walked in my shoes.
Dr. Melissa Read
I feel that there are a number of thing that a person can do to cope with stress. The first thing I would do is talk to someone or a number of people that you feel would give you good advice. My experience has shown me that other people have also experienced the same situation that is presently causing stress in your life. The solutions they use may also be helpful to get you through your present stressful situation. Exercising and stretching are also great. I believe that a healthy body leads to a more confident and healthy mind.
Sounds like a great plan Jonathan! Dialing up constructive coping mechanisms like physical activity while decreasing negative mechanisms is the key. Some instructors find that it's hard to give up vices. For those, I recommend just focusing on healthy coping mechanisms and letting the vices gradually diminish.
Dr. Melissa Read
I will be more active and do less drinking to cope with students.
Joan, I agree. Sometimes we just have to keep moving forward. As long as we feel confident that we are on target to our goals, pressing on can be the key.
Dr. Melissa Read
Chanel, Interesting points about cooking and cleaning. I call these activities 'brainless tasks.' They are great when you need to let your mind just rest. It can be fun to knock out a few easy tasks too - great confidence builders.
Dr. Melissa Read
I like the saying "when you're going through hell - keep going!". When things are tough, you can stop and stay there, or you can keep moving forward. I have to remind myself that although I feel like I am taking two steps forward and one step backward, at least I am pointed in the right direction. Staying in alignment with my goals doesn't remove the stressors but it sure makes me feel better while going through them.
I will also schedule some more "me" time. Exercise, fun, etc. If it isn't on the calendar it probably won't happen, so I need to plan my stress relief time just like I plan all the tasks I need to do (or think I need to do).
I will remind myself that some things are not as urgent as they first appear.
I like to cook and clean. The work for me is mindless and I can escape out of the stressful situation. I prefer in the moment to take a few breaths and walk outside. This allows for a moment of seclusion and a break.
When I am stressed, I relax and watch a good movie, or go walking or reading. Walking is good to clear your mind especially if you need to make an important decision - seems to help make the right decision.
Breaks are great Steven. Even if we just take a few minutes, we can come back feeling refreshed and with a new outlook. Some instructors don't have time for a long break due to course schedules, but have time for mini breaks all throughout the day. Take them when you can!
Dr. Melissa Read
Sounds like a great plan Wendy. Walking and breathing are both easy coping mechanisms that can quickly be integrated into your routine. You can start simply by taking a break to do some breathing exercises at your desk. It's amazing how much better you will feel.
Dr. Melissa Read
Interesting perspective Roger. It's often better just to get it out there and not to dwell. Also, when we bottle things up inside, the stress we experience may be misinterpreted by people around us. They may see us as unfriendly and standoffish instead of for what we are, stressed!
Dr. Melissa Read
My girlfriend says the same thing to me. I have a hard time talking about things because I just don't want to bother her with things that bother me. Doing this just makes these things stress me out more. I have realized that when I just put it out there and talk about it, I don't dwell on it as much.
I am going to walk more during the week. I am also going to breath and make my list of reducers and eliminations so I may be more effective in my life.
