Amy, Excellent to hear! Yes, this is true for many instructors. Exercise is a great outlet and can help you stay in great shape too.
Dr. Melissa Read
I find that exercise does help alot. It seems to relieve some of the frustration and anxiety that comes with the job.
Working out and running I find to be a good way of coping with stress and it helps me think clearer. Also a healthy diet and not going long periods without eating or drinking water, getting enough sleep, and finally stress shared is stress divided.
I think every person knows his abilities and expertise better than anyone else. Thus we need to develop time management schedule as per our abilities and then stick to it. You cannot control how efficient people/ team works around you, but you definitely understand your pace and capabilities. Planning ahead and completing your assigned task to the best of your capabilities should be the measuring and guiding parameter. I personally think that it’s not success but the burning desire/ wish to be successful that really matters as it keeps you on your toes working and thinking all the time. This is needed to lead a physically and mentally healthy life.
Craig, Sounds like you have some great coping mechanisms in your back pocket. Wonderful to hear. I like the way the mechanism you choose depend on the kind of stress you experience. This is a great strategy because different outlets work for different stressors.
Dr. Melissa Read
Depending on if the stress is personal or work related, I will talk to friends, family, colleagues to help cope with the stressors i cannot eliminate or reduce.
I find listening to my favorite music helps me cope with stress of any type at any time - I am taken to a different place altogether!
Phillip, Sounds like a wonderful outlet. Also, you just never know about the possibility of publication in the future. Often times, we are our biggest critics. Perhaps you could have a few others read your work and see what kind of feedback they have.
Dr. Melissa Read
My method of late has been writing, I find that writing stories relax my mind and remove me from the problems that are around me. While I don't think I'm a publishable author, I'm relaxed after exercising my mind with other thoughts that are more pleasant to deal with.
When dealing with a stressful situation, I take a deep breath and shift my mind into neutral. I like to imagine myself riding my dirtbike in the woods.
I have used breathing exercises for quite some time. I feel an immediate release of stress. Going forward I plan to begin exercising to help the stress from building up in my neck and back.
Start evaluating which can be reduced and which can be eliminated. Also get back into using my treadmill to help.
I enjoy listening to music or taking a swim or even a bubble bath to reduce my stress.
Currently I would benefit from not procrastinating and making the best use of my time!
I like to read books in the winter that don't have anything to do with education. I use these as a temporary escape. I also enjoy gardening during the summer and landscaping to reduce stress.
I currently use exercise as my great stress release. I do run up to 3 times a week, and I lift weights. These are great, but hey do consume time.
Over the past year, I've forced myself to rest more, which runs counter to a false conviction that if I stay up later and rise earlier, I will get more done. In truth, a well rested mind and body can do more with less available time than a fatigued one.the key is not to deceive oneself into thinking otherwise.
Admittedly, for many years, a few beers at the end of the day was my unwinding routine. I justified the behavior with exercise and ego stroking about how much I'd accomplished at work, but in truth, it was a self-deception. I drink far less now. I enjoy a few beers only on the weekend, primarily during football season. I don't relate it to work, however, and that's an important paradigm shift.
Lastly, I try to communicate my stress to my wife more. She is thoughtful and supportive. If I really need help, she will stand against the other pressures of my life to help me relax and come up for air when my responsibilities appear to much to bear.
I cope with stress by making sure I get enough sleep. Even when I have lots of work to do I make sure I get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night (sometimes more).
I will increase my workout routine and add a yoga class.
I will get th phone and call my mom. We talk abou everything and it is a great way for me to get it off my chest.
Jim, Sounds like you have a few great outlets. Wonderful to hear. Model trains are not something I hear a lot about from instructors but I imagine they can be great at taking your mind off of things.
Dr. Melissa Read
I do moderate, short exercises to help with stress. When I am stressed I spend more time with my hobby of model trains. I sometimes talk to others about what is stressing me.
