I recently participated in a professional development opportunity that focused on stress and health management for educators.  Initially, I felt that my stress levels were a little elevated due to the rapidly approaching STAAR tests, but overall felt I had things “under control”. However, the more I began to reflect upon some of the questions presented, I started to see the different types of stressors in both my personal and professional life. Quickly realizing the need to take a step back and restructure my priorities, I realized the root of the problems: time.
There are days when stress at school can feel almost overwhelming. Educators are hit with central office demands, budget constraints, test anxiety, disciplinary issues and so much more. Ultimately, it is all negatively affecting our physical and mental health. Over the course of my career, I’ve personally developed stress-related health issues such as high blood pressure. Fortunately, with proper diet, exercise and medication, I have it under control. Yet, I’ve also seen colleagues suffer from more serious afflictions including nervous conditions, heart attack and stroke.
One tool that I recommend to fellow educators who may feel the need to get their stress levels under control is, “The Frazzled Teacher’s Wellness Plan: A Five Step Approach for Reclaiming Time, Managing Stress, and Creating a Healthy Lifestyle”, by J. Allen Queen and Patsy S. Queen.  It is imperative that we educators take care of our health! If kids aren’t taught by teachers who mentally and physically feel up to the task, negative trends could develop in student achievement. And, that is precisely what we are working so hard to prevent.
Mental and physical health is an important factor in job satisfaction. Sometimes the words, “I’m so stressed” or “I’m so busy” become so commonplace we begin to think there is no way to avoid those feelings. You remind us that we have choices. If I am committed to doing my job well and making a difference in the lives of others, it means taking care of myself. Thanks for the reminder and for the suggestion on how to do it.
Thank you Mrs. Sledge. I hope it helps.
Shelene,
I believe you have touched on an extremely important subject. We all know it and we all speak about it, but doing it is another issue. You have sparked the issue again for so many of us, and creating balance so we can be effective for ourselves and others is the key to making that difference! Thank you for reminding all of us that stress can hit us in the face but it so often can also creep up on us, so practicing stress management and recalibrating how we manage stress is IMPORTANT if we are to positively and continuously succeed in our calling to education others. I agree with you, It is key for all us to have a healthy and balanced journey!
Thanks Marlene. Your views show that regardless of whether we work in a K-12 setting or at the college level, the direct and subtle stressors in the lives of educators are ever-present at all levels. Just as Mrs. Sledge states in the previous comment, we must do all we can to remind ourselves that we indeed have choices and the power to remind ourselves of our priorities.
Asolutely!
Try that again—Absolutely!
The release of stress is so very important. Heavy stress in the students often leads educators into increased stress as well. I find that my stress level sometimes has a lot with the mood swings of my students. This year has given us 4 girls at my school who have contemplated seriously or attempted suicide. Working with their issues and helping them over this hurdle has definitely increased my stress and worry factors. I have had to take extra time for me to compensate.
Ericka, from what you’ve written, I agree that work worries are certainly a major contributing factor to your increased stress. You are correct, we educators must take time out for ourselves to decompress daily or even weekly. Finding some outlet is key. So often, we put ourselves on the backburner in an effort to be there for our students. We must remember that if we are not healthy and happy, we may not be making the difference that we desire.