If a teacher can master successful techniques that can help control their stress and tension wouldn’t that be helpful? Not only at the second stress happens (in a classroom), but also to help control their stress and tension in the long-haul (an entire school year) can be done probably easier then you think.

Part of being successful at any job is learning to manage time efficiently. The first step in learning to manage one’s time is to establish long-term goals; in this context, within the length of the school year. The second step is to create intermediate goals (the length of a school term); this is also the key to develop an action plan. Lastly, educators need to develop a weekly habit of setting short-term priorities for the upcoming week.

Another is to deal with stress and tension in a healthy manner that does not affect the body in a negative way. This can be learning methods from a fellow co-worker, setting aside blocks of time for regular fun and relaxation as well. Going for a walk or spending time in nature is another way to relax. Regular exercise has been shown to help reduce stress while also keeping the body healthy. Another way would be to spend time alone meditating. This could be done while taking a long, hot bath, getting a massage, or lighting scented candles. If the surrounding area is clam and peaceful, it will affect a persons mood in a positive way. Also an educator can use self-talk to cope with their stress levels. The more positive the self-talk the more you are to control a negative reaction. These strategies can all be done individually.

These next few strategies can be done with a friend or a professional to help reduce stress. You can keep a stress journal that can help you identify regular stressors in your life. When you notice something that does stress you out, such as trying to get to the gym after your work day for a cycling class, you write this down in your journal. Once you notice that the time is limited between the two events you can look at recognizing to fit everything in that is your stressor. Know you have options like taking a later cycling class, or maybe another type of class. Or if it is something not as easy to solve you can discuss the situation with your friends. With a professional you can use a method of which the therapist makes subtle suggestions with enable a person with stress to choose a better physiological response. This is known as biofeedback.

These coping skills will provide invaluable not only in a teaching situation, but also in navigating the stressors of everyday living. The end result of applying stress management skills will be an educator who is free of stress and able to navigate life with energy and creatity.