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Managing Stress

There's lots of it in today's schools, no matter what your position.
Dictionaries define the noun "stress" as "mental or emotional pressure." Stress occurs when we're excited about a special event, when we are uncertain or apprehensive about a major decision, or when we are facing a loss or experiencing pain. Life is a series of joyous and not-so-joyous stress.

Budget your time as you do your money.
Time is an invaluable resource, one which we treasure most when it's in short supply. Plan ahead for major activities such as your school's open house, parent teacher conferences, field trips, grading and special curriculum units.

Seek the advice of experienced colleagues so you avoid over-committing yourself and your time. In budgeting your time, look for effective short-cuts and for ways to avoid needing to "reinvent the wheel."

Assess yourself and identify how and when you are to create a daily schedule that increases your productivity and maximize learning opportunities for your students.

An occasional rushed schedule is manageable; a daily schedule of rushing is draining. Keep your schedule flexible and "friendly."

Schedule time for you.
All work and no play will dull your energy and will lessen the rewards of teaching. A refreshing walk, a good book, or a creative hobby will give you the chance to revive and recharge.

Develop a healthy lifestyle which includes good nutrition, regular exercise, plenty of sleep and preventive visits to the dentist and doctor.
Make your healthy lifestyle enjoyable and comfortable. Avoid a "rut-like" routine that may be hard to stick with or may lead to burnout.

When facing an anxiety-causing event or decision, ask yourself, "What's the worst thing that can happen as a result of this?"
If the worst thing that can happen is minor, that event or decision may be well worth the risk. Too often we avoid change because we misperceive our options and their implications.

Keep a journal of your experiences, especially the reaffirming or humorous events.
Your journal will remind you of the vital role you play as an educator on days when things are not going well. Notes from students, parents and colleagues can also be tucked away in this journal.

Do something for others.
Whether it's volunteering at a shelter or food-shelf center, working with a youth group or in a seniors residence, joining a civic or church organization, you'll find satisfaction in the sense of community you'll experience.

Establish and strive for a personal and professional goal.
Your goal may be as major as tackling a Master's degree, or as basic as reducing unnecessary personal expenses, or as fun as saving for a special vacation. Effective goal-setting includes reflecting on who you are, what's important to you and giving yourself the resources, especially the time needed to accomplish your goal. If the goal seems too big or overwhelming, create "sub-goals." Recognize and applaud your advancement toward your goal!

List!!
For daily, weekly and monthly tasks, use the list approach. Lists are lifesavers for people busy with the responsibilities of home and a career. First, "brainstorm" what's needed on the list, whether it's a school "to-do" list, a home "to-do" list or a grocery list. Secondly, re-list according to three categories: (A - very important, B - important, C - it can wait!). Then, number 1, 2, 3. . . for each of the items on your list as you complete them.

Acknowledge your feelings.
Don't stifle or ignore your fears and disappointments. Examine them and then ask yourself, "Now what?" Avoiding these feelings won't make them go away; it just defers facing them. How and when we mend are different for each individual.

Confide in and depend on a colleague or friend.
Allow your support person to be honest with you and accept their feedback and support.

Evaluate your responses to stressful situations.
Many of the "stressors" we encounter cannot be avoided or changed, but how we respond to them can significantly improve our ability to cope with them.

Reward yourself.
... for positive changes in your behavior, your professional achievement or the progress you make in attaining a goal. Celebrate your accomplishments!