COMBATTING STRESS
MYRA LUZ C. DE LUNA
Stress is inevitable. Teachers are always given strategies and ways on how to deal with students and parents who are stressed in classes. Stress among teachers should also be given priority. Some teachers deal with stress differently. Teachers who experience stress may tend to overeat. In some cased they tend to oversleep or worst never get sleep at all.
When paperwork piles up and deadlines are just around the corner, stress may arise. When learners start to act out and parents complain, there is stress. When the higher ups expected so much of the teachers and they can’t deliver on time, stress happens. Teachers also need to adapt to curriculum changes. Stress can also be triggered by other external factors. Stress really exists in teaching. It is not a weakness or an incompetence.
Stress can be tolerable but when it becomes intolerable it will surely cause damage both physiologically and psychologically. When you are irritable, depressed, weepy, tensed or when you can’t concentrate, you have to start asking yourself what is wrong. Don’t wait for you to experience headaches, stomach ailments or muscular tension due to stress before you act.
When overwhelmed with stress and things get a little hard, the first thing to do is to assess the problem and observe the body’s reaction. It is okay not to be okay. Accept and recognize your emotions. You must analyze what is causing your stress. If you have multiple issues, tackle them separately. You can never solve everything at the same time. Prioritized issues that need to be resolved right away. You can never deal with stress in a snap. It takes time. Use your time well in looking for solutions and de-stressing.
As an educator, it is a must that you have a to-do list. Focus on realistic goals that you can control and modify goals that are beyond your control. Don’t linger on something that is not yet happening, focus on the present. Focus on today and think positively. You can also meditate or do those breathing exercises which will help you relax and focus.
When things get a little harder, you can also ask some advice from your colleagues. You can also keep a journal of your thoughts as it will help you reflect on things. You also have to prioritize your health. Eat healthy food, have quality sleep, get in shape, and spend time with family and friends. Learn to relax and enjoy life as it will lessen your anxiety and irritability. You can dance or sing, or you can have a quiet coffee time with yourself. You can also play board games or ball games during break with your learners or colleagues. You can always do something that you love when the symptoms of stress appear. Make these things part of your routine and you will see changes.
Do not let stress take over your life. You must assess the problem and focus on the steps you must take to resolve it. You can do it!
-oOoTHE AUTHOR IS TEACHER III AT PUTLOD-SAN JOSE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL