activities outside of your career
I have found that other interests outside of your career are great stress relievers. Some examples are hobbies, organized sport activities, or clubs. Explore an interest such as playing a musical instrument or a hobby such as woodworking. Examine how this could be worked into your schedule. Allow time each week to learn more and work with your choice. I find building interesting musical instruments both educational and relaxing.
I completely agree with you Fred, although I don't play any type of instrument and don't have the money to pay someone to teach me, I sing or play music on my laptop. I find music to be a very relaxing and soothing.
Mariann, This is so true. Having non work related outlets can help us press the reset button and feel refreshed.
Dr. Melissa Read
I found that finding activities outside the work arena are good stress relievers. Going to the gym and joining other clubs and keeping in close contact with friends are all good outlooks outside the work arena.
Mariann Urbancsik,BSRN
Richard, Nice to hear! These all sound like fantastic outlets. It's great to get outdoors and find ways of escaping, even if that happens in our back yards.
Dr. Melissa Read
Hobbies seem to work well for me. I like to hunt and fish and find that these activities make me completely forget any problems that I may have and focus on the activity I am pursuing.
Michael, Wow, it must have been really hard to abandon all of the things that you enjoy. I understand why you did give up these things. In the short term, it must have felt good to have more time. In the longer term, loosing those important outlets to help you manage through stress probably took a toll.
Dr. Melissa Read
When I first started my career as an instructor I was so overwhelmed and had no clue on how to handle my stress. Though I enjoy many activities/hobbies outside of work I just never felt like I had any time to do the stuff I enjoyed doing. Unfortunately, I literally stopped all the things that made me happy. As I learned better time management skills I started getting back into activities that I enjoyed and noted much more happiness and balance in my life. I have definitely found there is a correlation between allowing relaxation and free-time in my life and reduction of stress.
outside hobbies are the main thing I rely on to help keep me centered.
I have many hobbies that I rely on from time to time.
I agree Fred! Participating in something outside of your teaching career can often rejuvenate a fatigued body & mind.
Fred, I like the variety of options you mention here. It's wonderful when we can take on several outlets or activities that take us away from stress as opposed to just one. This way, we have a lot of options to choose from.
Dr. Melissa Read
