Stressrelief Articles

Stress Relief For Teachers

Five Steps to Stress Relief for Teachers

The teacher's job is notoriously stressful. Part actor, part diplomat, part scholar, part parent, part disciplinarian, part drone, and part administrator, teachers struggle to keep track of the many roles they are expected to play each day. In addition, teachers often do not get the respect they deserve for their hard work.

It should be no surprise to anyone, then, that the levels of stress and burnout among teachers are quite high. However, there are a few simple steps you as a teacher can take for stress relief.

Stress Relief for Teachers - Identify Stressors

One teacher may dread having to stand before a class and lecture. Another may love that part of the job, but despise paperwork. A third may feel stressed and helpless when a child in the class acts out. It is important to identify exactly which aspects of the job send your blood pressure skyrocketing.

Stress Relief for Teachers - Seek Support

Whether your demon is writing a syllabus or dealing with kids who won't do homework, you can be sure there are other teachers that have dealt with similar issues and overcome them. Talk to the colleagues and administrators you respect and ask their advice.

You may also want to consider a continuing education course to help you get up to speed on the issues you find most taxing.

Stress Relief for Teachers - Prioritize

While you may not be able to plan for every contingency (e.g., the class hamster dying, half the kids forgetting their permission slips for the field trip), you should start each day with a general plan of action. What do you hope to accomplish by noon? By the end of the day? What can safely be put off until tomorrow?

Stress Relief for Teachers - Affirmations

Think about the words going through your mind when you become stressed out. They're probably negative. "I can't do this! Why did I ever think I could teach? If that kid opens his mouth again, I'm going to scream! These kids are animals!" Record your thoughts for a week.

Then work on replacing the negative "can't do" messages with positive ones "can do" ones. For instance, instead of telling yourself, "I can't do this," you might say, "I am a highly trained professional and I can handle this situation calmly." Instead of, "These kids are animals!" consider, "The kids are hyper today. I'm going to think of an activity to let them blow off some steam."

Stress Relief for Teachers - The Five Minute Vacation

Pick a time when you are not stressed, and imagine the most beautiful place you can. It might be indoors or out. It might be a palace, the biggest shopping mall in the world, a beach, or a forest with snow falling lightly through the trees. Work to enhance that image. What do you see and smell? Who, if anyone, is there with you? Do they have any reassuring messages for you?

The next time you find yourself being overwhelmed by stress, take a five-minute break as soon as possible and go to the beautiful place in your head. Feel the tension drain from your muscles as you explore this perfect world. When you come back, you'll be more focused and ready to take on the day.

Teaching is undoubtedly one of the most stressful professions, but if you follow these steps to stress relief, you'll find yourself far better able to handle the tension.