Some Thoughts About Teacher Stress

So, after reading my previous post I hope you all realize that teacher stress affects students too. If a teacher is stressed and takes their feelings out on a child, then the child not only gets yelled at and ignored but these actions can have other negative consequences, like the poem "Children Learn What They Live" states. So my main reason for sharing the poem in my previous post was for people to realize how children are affected by actions that may sometimes come as a result of teacher stress.

"Children Learn What They Live"

This is a short poem that I came across while looking around online. It really sets the stage for me about the impact that a teacher, or any adult, can have on children and their lives. Hope it helps you to also realize the potential impact your words can have on a child, if you haven't already:

"If a child lives with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, they learn to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, they learn to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance, they learn to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If a child lives with praise, they learn to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness, they learn justice.
If a child lives with security, they learn to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,they learn to find love in the world."
~Author unknown

Effects of Classroom Management on Stress Levels

I think it is important to realize, that although classroom management is a completely seperate topic on its own, teacher stress is very much influenced by the type of classroom atmosphere that a teacher establishes. A poorly managed classroom will make even the smallest modification to a teacher's plan seem like their day is falling apart. On the other hand, if a teacher is well prepared, has control over his/her students, and is always a step ahead of situations that can pop up, then the teacher's stress levels will remain under control. Stress is something that will be part of any job you undertake, but I think it is how well you manage it that really counts!

Techniques to Help Reduce Stress

After doing some searching online, I have recently found a few useful tips on how to reduce stress. Teachers may find these useful because the workload does not seem to be getting any lighter so trying some stress reducation techniques may help with the strain on the daily routine. The techniques incude reduction tips from Mark Attridge from Optum Research, Paul J. Rosch, M.D., president of the American Institute of Stress, and Jeff Goelitz from the Institute of HeartMath.

1. Walk it off. Run, bike, or hike, just move. And, eat light and right. It will soothe your nerves and reduce stress-related health risks.

2. Choose rhythm and blues over road rage. Remember, a lot of stress is in the eye of the beholder, so take 10 deep breaths, listen to music, and decide not to get angry or anxious about everyday aggravations.

3. Run your own show. Learn to say "no" to obligations that may be stressful and time consuming.

4. Manage up. Administrators and supervisors should be constructively informed about problems at work and asked to provide solutions. If you're being treated unfairly, calmly make your case until you get results. Remember, you deserve a better situation.

5. Talk it out. Teacher support groups work. Discuss problems with colleagues and help each other find solutions.

6. Use your emotions. Use positive feelings to offset negative feelings. Take an "appreciation break." Capture a sincere feeling of appreciation for your spouse, favorite outdoor haven, or a dear friend, and hold onto that feeling while breathing deep into your heart (the center of your chest.) Continue deep breathing for one or two minutes while concentrating on those warm thoughts. Do the exercise anytime and, research shows, you'll balance your heart rhythm and build up your emotional strength and resistance to stress.

Hope these might help in some way!

What is Stress?

Stress is something that you feel or experience when external and internal forces are putting too great a demand on your limited physical and mental energy. There are an infinite number of causes for stress. For example as a teacher you may perceive your workload to be too great, your expectation of yourself may be too high or your, perceived or real, inability to deal with young people with negative attitudes and behaviours is becoming too much of a problem.
Stress materializes when you allow these things to overwhelm you. As a teacher, everyday brings so many new challeneges and things to overcome. It is how well an individual can handle these things that determines the amount of stress one feels. But the stress is not just personal anymore. There are parents to deal with, the school board to answer to, the government's expectations, etc. More and more is being expected of teacher's on a daily basis.