Stress can cripple a person from inside and out. Even for an average person, stress and depression can fill up one’s mind with negative thoughts. This will, in turn, make the person shattered and deserted.
Being a teacher can tick the stress counter fast. There are daily occasions where teachers face stressful conditions in and out of the classroom. The stress of keeping the class disciplined, making assignments, marking and managing resources, managing family life and work life, pressure from the family, and so on.
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Fighting the Stress
The first step to stress relief is wearing something comfortable in the form of relaxed clothing, comfortable teaching shoes and a healthy attitude. Moreover, we will be going through a few ways which you can incorporate, as a teacher, in your life to enjoy it to the fullest.
Set your priorities straight!
Perhaps the first thing you need to do to fight the stress. You may have a lot on your share as a teacher. Assignments, class tests, papers, homework, and then you have your home and responsibilities await over there as well. You need to set a limit and prioritize the things you feel are essential.
Not all assignments require grading; neither do you need to give and check homework each day. It will only burden your soul. Only do what you feel is essential, and what requires your first attention. The same goes for your time at home. If you don’t feel like checking the assignments now and then, and want to spend time with your family, then it would be best if you prioritized that rather than burdening yourself. But some tests are more essential than others, in which case you should give time to that, rather than providing time to other less critical homework. Make your priority clear!
Keep track of things
You may forget some critical tests you had to make, and then suddenly, you feel stressed out. It is better to make a journal to keep track of things you do and need to accommodate. Please write down your priorities, the things that require attention, so you don’t lose track of them.
It will help you in keeping track of things, so you don’t get stressed at the last moment.
Go Exercise
Exercise can help you to drain the stress out of your head. It can be tough to buy time to manage training during your strict teaching routine. But trust me, once you get used to it, there is no going back!
Exercising does not mean to go and get a full gym membership. It can be as little as starting a brisk walk and then working your way up. As long you feel refreshed, energized, and stress-free!
Get Some Sleep
People say being a student can be stressful on your sleep. But the same can be said for teachers. They spend hours preparing a test or exam, checking assignments, scheduling and making lectures, etc. All of this can sacrifice your sleep if you are not careful.
You should be getting at least 7- 9 hours of sleep a day, no matter what. Even If you have to cut down class times, assignments, whatever, try to get at least 8 hours of sleep. Having insufficient sleep can cause mental fatigue, no matter how good our life is.
Meditate
Meditation has many benefits that help to cope with stress. In a teacher’s life, it can be hard to schedule enough time for sleep, let alone meditation. But as I said for exercise, once you get in, you will never want to go back.
Try to adjust just 10-15 minutes every day in the morning before going to work. Your whole day will go by with such delight, and you will feel revitalized.
Get Help
Perhaps a very significant yet ignored way to relieve your stress. Getting help does not necessarily mean going to the therapist. You can talk to your colleagues, your friends, or your family members as long as you feel comfortable with them.
Talking your stress out can help you shed some off. Sharing does wonders, as you may feel lighter by sharing, and your friends may even tell you solutions on how to combat your situation. If you are still not feeling good enough, then you should go and visit a therapist. Please don’t be shy about going there, as it can be beneficial and not as bad as you think.
Conclusion
Life as a teacher can no doubt be stressful. And a stressful life can make you feel worthless no matter how hard you work. Instead, try to lead a healthy and balanced life. Don’t try to overburden yourself with the responsibilities of your job as a teacher. Being a teacher is already a tough and demanding job, and you taking additional stress won’t help.
Try to keep track of things that you are doing or are planning to do so that you don’t lose track of them. Keep your priorities on point and try to do them first before anything else. Exercise, meditate, eat healthily, and get a good night’s relaxing sleep to wash all your stress away. And still, if you feel the need, then definitely go and talk about your problems with a therapist. Life is short; don’t ruin even a single day while being stressed about it!