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!