When you look at this picture above, do you instantly think, "That is horrible. Those kids should be sitting flat on their bottoms. That is so disrespectful."
PAUSE...Don't Get All Stressed Out!!!
Take what would normally be a stressful situation and turn it into something positive and fun! This does not mean, however, to be lazy and have no discipline. It's just an example.
Let's go over the feelings associated with stress, thoughts that go along with stress, and behaviors that you may be experiencing if you are stressed. Then we will discuss 10 ways to reduce teacher stress.
Feelings Associated with Stress:
- Anxious
- Scared
- Angry
- Frustrated
- Moody
- Forgetfulness
- Fear of Failure
- Low Self-Esteem
- Worrying About the Future
- Can't Concentrate
- Complaining About Work
- Crying
- Grinding Your Teeth
- Increase of a Normal Habit or Addiction
- Losing Your Appetite or Overeating
- Increased Heart Rate, Breathing or Sweating
- Trouble Sleeping
- Headaches
- Neck and Lower Back Pain
Ways to Reduce Teacher Stress
- Become Aware of How You React In Stressful Situations
- Be Positive, Speak Positive, Think Positive
- At the end of the school day, think about all the things you achieved and finished rather that what you didn't have time to get done.
- Learn to say NO to certain requests and after school duties. You can't do EVERYTHING, and you shouldn't!
- Understand and Accept that a teacher is not a SUPER HERO and we do have limits. (Well, except for that crazy teacher in Kindergarten who stays until like 6pm every night!)
- Find a Hobby and Ways to Relax at Home.
- Exercise Regularly.
- When you talk about your problems or issues regarding school, students, staff and administrators, make sure you are not complaining, but rather trying to figure out a solution.
- Use Your Time Wisely. Evaluate how you spend your day, then make a weekly schedule and try to STICK TO IT.
- Set Priorities and Realistic Goals.
- Pure Moods CD - Seriously...remember those old pure moods commercials. This may help calm your nerves.
- Is There Life After Stress? - The short chapters focus on one problem or issue.
1 comment:
Being a kindergarten teacher myself, I know how stressful it is handling kids. I love my students, but sometimes they really gave me a headache! I'm now better on dealing with it though. I always stay positive and think of better approach on the matter.
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