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Rona, Yes I would have to agree! Stress lists are great at helping you see the total landscape of your tasks. Having this kind of transparency and higher level view can really help you hone in on your priorities.
Dr. Melissa Read
Robert, Many people read to escape. With modern technology like mobile devices, you can take multiple books with you on the go. Online articles are a great outlet too!
Dr. Melissa Read
Ruben, Yes, putting pen to paper definitely helps you have a clear inventory of your stress. Sometimes it helps you prioritize when you see multiple tasks right next to one another as well. Lists are particularly effective when we have too many tasks to keep in our heads.
Dr. Melissa Read
Joseph, Wow, giving up coffee is usually pretty hard for people. That must have taken tremendous will power. I imagine you cut the coffee out gradually, one meal at a time, as opposed to all at once. Sometimes the most effective strategy for modifying behavior is to do things gradually. Other times, it's better to go cold turkey.
Dr. Melissa Read
I really like the idea of making a list. I believe once it is written in list form, each stressor becomes clearer and allows me to take a step back and look at them from a higher level. Hopefully giving me clarity to address each one or dismiss.
If a stressor cannot be eliminated I can use a few different approaches. I could share my concerns with others or use a healthy coping mechanism like breathing or exercising. They won't be eliminated but may become manageable.
I think a couple coping mechanisms that I can work on and incorporate into my lifestyle are sharing and getting enough sleep. I usually keep to myself when I feel stressed so sharing with others about my stressors is something for me to work on in the immediate future. Getting enough sleep is definitely a problem for me. I tend to stay up late grading papers and working on my own college classes I am currently enrolled.
Time Management when juggling multiple tasks as many other Instructors do, I have to say is probably on of the biggest on my professional list. Learning new techniques such as the one offered in ED110, are helpful as well as methodologies gained throughout my co-workers, and other sources assist. Reducing my coffee intake is something I'm working on as well, to avoid running on little to no sleep often.
I need to incorporate more exercise into my daily routine. This could help me to deal with stress more effectively. It will also give me more time for myself.
I have given up drinking about 3 pots of coffee a day. I drink water now thou not as much as I should. But this I think has cut down a little. I find that If I am doing something I love the stress is lessoned. Fortunately I am a chef instructor and am blessed to be able to teach this everyday.
I try to take two-three 5 or 10 minute walks around the building on the student break times. I also find that talking with other people about what is going on also helps, it has always helped me. but some folks at work don't want us to use these 'talk it out' sessions. I think that as long as we use them as a escape-valve mechanism and don't get horrible about it, that we should be able to use it. M. Smith
I already do many of the items suggested (talk with friends, go to the gym). I also try to get to bed early (but not always so easy with kids). The one thing suggested that I have not tried, is making a "stress list." I love lists and live by them to make sure that I get everything done that I need to. But I think a stress list will be help me to ID the things I really need to work on.
Tim, Sharing is a wonderful outlet, especially when we share with people who are in similar situations. Note that oversharing is possible, so do be careful not to burden your friends and colleagues with too much information.
Dr. Melissa Read
Marybeth, That sounds like a wonderful investment. Yes, 24 hour gyms can be perfect for people with busy schedules. Sometimes we need to find outlets that can be as flexible as we need to be.
Dr. Melissa Read
Ali, It sounds like you have a healthy strategy for dealing with stress that cannot be eliminated. That's wonderful to hear. Yes, all of the outlets you named are fantastic when it comes to coping. You might also enjoy talking with friends and sharing challenges.
Dr. Melissa Read
Daniel, Those two items certainly go hand and hand as we often have to drink less coffee to get more sleep. Note that cutting down on caffeine consumption is a great step, but it can take a few weeks to notice the positive effects.
Dr. Melissa Read
Having young children at home can cause stress but I am not alone. Many of my co-workers are in the same boat. We share with each other ways to manage our time and make things work. It helps in any stressfull situation to know that you are not alone.
Stressors that cannot be eliminated or reduced I deal with by talking with friends while walking, jogging or hiking. I also do yoga and remind myself that these stressors have the ability to shift with time.