Relieving Mid-Year Teacher Stress

Relieving Mid-Year Teacher Stress:

Here we are again. School is in full swing, and if you are like me, you are feeling just a little stressed. Normal, right? Well, yes, it is normal. No, you can’t control your students’ lack of motivation, the number of state or district tests they take, but you can control you. You can control how you react to that stress and how you allow it to affect you. Here are some of my favorite tips on beating teacher stress.

Keep It Separate

          I know it’s hard, but keep your personal life and your school life separate. Sounds impossible I know. However, it can be done. How? Simple. Quit dragging that pile of work home. Pick 2 days out of the week that you are willing to give up to work on school things like grading papers, creating tests and/or games, and doing lesson planning. The other nights should be left open for your family and your sanity.

Go to Bed

          There is a time and a place for all things. One of those things is called sleep. Go to bed on time. Put those papers down. Put the book down. Turn off the television and go to sleep. Your body will thank you. Your students will thank you. Your spouse will thank you. Your brains cells need this time to recharge. You will also discover that you get few colds if you adhere to a set bed time. No, I don’t mean go to bed at midnight and get up at 4:00 A.M. I mean get those 7 to 8 hours of sleep. So, lights out.

Healthy Snacking

          Okay, I’m guilty. You need a boost of energy. So, you grab those chips or that carbonated soda. Next thing you know, you feel sluggish and you have put on 10 extra pounds. Was it worth it? No! That quick snack cost you. Dear Teacher, please try to have healthy snacks on hand. Stop grabbing those energy drinks and sodas. Instead, grab a healthy snack like nuts, cheese, or fruit. This will help to keep your blood sugar levels stable, your mood stable, and your waistline from bulging.

Know When to Say When

          You just have to grade one more set of papers. You need just a few more minutes to finish that report. That game is going to be so wonder when you finish it. And, you can’t leave the room in such a mess. You just need to finish tidying up before you head home. Stop right there!!! You are overloading your schedule. Stop it. Stop it. Walk away from those papers. Log off the computer. Walk away. Say when.That one more little thing will turn into 2 more little things, and then it will turn into 3 more little things. Stop and walk away. Those papers will be there tomorrow. The janitor is there to assist you. Save yourself some stress. Just walk away.

          Now, teacher, take a deep breath. Remember what I told you and de-stress!