Stress Management for Teachers

Stress Management

For Teachers-in- Action

What is Stress?

Stress, definedmentally or emotionally disruptive or upsetting condition

in response to adverse external infl uences

capable of aff ecting physical and emotional well-being

What brings stress?

Wearing too many hats can be really

fun. . .

but stressful too!

As an educator in

action,

We play many roles at the same time.

We are

CaregiversCounselors

NursesPencil –pushers

CoachesAdministrators

Program designersTrainors, faciliators

Teachers with meetings to attendTons of paperwork

As teachers, we are models of good behavior

We dress up.We speak right.

We act right.We live right.

We bring home our work.

And the list can go on.

What could stress do to us?

FatigueIncreased blood pressure

Loss of focusIrritability

Lack of motivationDepression

BURNOUTUnhappy Person

Let’s have self-check.

A glimpse of ourselves and the stressors around

us

Write 4 for Always

3 for Frequently2 for Sometimes

1 for Never

Above 60:

You may be a candidate for heart disease.

Consult your doctor.

Self –Check Results

You should :Set realistic expectations for yourself.

Focus on the process rather than the results.

Focus on successes rather than on failures. 

Be realistic about time expectations and perspectives.

Recognize that you will be criticized more than praised by parents, partners, and

supervisors.

Make your work/study area more stimulating

Do paperwork immediately. Don't procrastinate.

Ask others for positive feedback.

Develop a hobby and spend time on it regularly.

Keep physically fit — good diet and adequate exercise.

Spend time in active family activities.

.

Between 51 and 60:

Your stress level is marginal and you

are bordering on being excessively

tense

 Between 31 and 50:

You demonstrate a good balance in your ability to handle and control stress.

Keep up the good work.

Teaching must be a rewarding career.

 Between 31 and 50:

You demonstrate a good balance in your ability to handle and control stress.

Keep up the good work.

Teaching must be a rewarding career.

 Between 20 and 30:

Chances are that you are non-productive or your life lacks

stimulation.

Is teaching the career you should pursue?

Stressors are ever-present!

When the disparity between stressors and

our ability to cope becomes great –

BURNOUT!

Stress Management:

Is there a real need for it?

Strategy 1

Identifying the sources of stress in your life.

Think about the ways you currently manage and

cope with stress in your life –

Habits, attitude, and excuses -

PROCRASTINATION

Accept responsibility for the role you play in

creating or maintaining your stress.

Avoid unnecessary stressThere are a number of stressors

in life that can eliminated.

Learn how to say “no.” Avoid people who stress you

out. Take control of your

environment.Avoid hot-button topics. Pare down your to-do list.

Alter the situationIf you can’t avoid a stressful

situation, try changing the way you communicate and operate

in your daily life.

Express your feelings, compromise, assert,

manage your time better.

Adapt to the stressorChange your expectations

and attitude.

Reframe problems. Look at the big picture. Adjust your standards. Perfectionism is a major

source of avoidable stress. Focus on the positive.

Ask for Help

Take time to talk to others – your people

resources – and plan. Set up routines and

duties.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Focus on the essential

Don't Play the

Teacher at Home.

Take Time for Yourself

Pamper yourself in small ways.

AROMATHERAPYGO TO THE SALON.

PLAY GAMES.FOLLOW YOUR INTERESTS.

EXERCISE.

Remember Why You Teach

“I teach in order to make a difference for children and to share myself with the

world.

I keep these reasons for teaching close to my heart.”