The Importance of Stress Management For Teachers

Haydee D. Aguilar

Stress is inevitable for us, teachers. We handle a huge number of students, we plan lessons, we check papers, we formulate assignments, and the list goes on. But while stress is inevitable, how we respond to it can spell the difference between a long, rewarding career, and one that is cut short by burn-out. I have researched about stress management to help me overcome the daily stress that comes with teaching, and I found out that as simple as breathing deeply can make a difference. As it turned out, breathing deeply helps lower one’s physical stress response and regain control. When you’re experiencing intense levels of stress, breathe in deeply for four seconds, then exhale evenly for four seconds. Keep this up for 2 to 3 minutes for maximum effect. Moreover, another way to alleviate stress in our very demanding job is to work smarter, not harder. We can develop our strategies to manage the stress and protect our own well-being. One of the most crucial step is to focus on what is in your control. We must accept the fact the we cannot control everything as schools are full of people and unexpected events. We often get stressed about the things which are outside our control. Once in a while, let us take a moment and make a list of those things which are causing your stress. Now divide these things into two lists, things which are within your control at the moment and things which are not in your control at the moment. Decide to focus on the things which are in your control and do something about them. Put the others aside. This can really help a lot in making our life as a teacher better. Meanwhile, positive self talk is also vital. What would you say to your best friend if they were having a bad day? Would you tell them they were a useless, outdated teacher who couldn’t cope? Probably not. And yet we often say these things to ourselves. Decide to talk to yourself as you would talk to your best friend. In addition, supportive friends and colleagues are very important. Sometimes we just need to talk to someone and share what we’ve been dealing with lately. A friend’s kind words or a colleagues encouragement can help lessen the burden that we’ve been carrying. The people close to us in our workplace can make us realize that we are not alone in dealing with the unique stress that comes with teaching. Stress is a part of our lives. How to manage stress as a teacher is a personal journey. Let us acknowledge that we have to be not only physicall but also mentally healthy, in order to rise to the monumental tasks laid upon us daily. We must learn to cope with tension and pressure, so we can better teach our students. --oOo-The author is Master Teacher I at Cabagan Science Elementary School, Division of Isabela, Region II