Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Stressed out

    Posted 02-04-2019 08:00 AM
    Good morning  everyone!  For the last couple of days I have been really feeling stressed out, Between work and school I have been getting really exhausted but I know I can't give up  because I have goals to achieve.  Does anyone have some good advice on how to handle stress  that comes with school and work.,

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    Keisha Harris
    Teacher special ed
    Grand Canyon University
    Camden NJ
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  • 2.  RE: Stressed out

    Posted 02-04-2019 10:02 AM
    We have all been there!! I think when I am feeling overwhelmed or lack energy, I try to focus on the absolute essentials: what has to happen today? Then I focus on that task, and go from there. We are in a field where we have to give our best selves each and every day, so the other area to think about is your own self care. Sleep, exercise, healthy eating- all seem so basic, but really do make such a difference. One other thought is to try to not seek out other colleagues who have negative mindsets. Too often we are tempted by "Misery Loves Company". Of course we all need confidantes, but try to seek out people who exude positive energy. And lastly, remind yourself of how important your work is. You make a difference each and every day.

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    Hilary Laing
    Teacher
    Orono Discovery Center
    Orono MN
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Stressed out

    Posted 02-06-2019 12:44 AM
    Google 40 ways to Relieve Stress in 5 minutes or Less.  Good luck!

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    Patricia Jack
    Boulder City NV
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Stressed out

    Posted 02-04-2019 05:27 PM
    I have been stressed so many times while I was in college. With being stressed out I found it difficult to concentrate on my homework and studying for tests that I had to take. Some of the things that I did to de stress was listening to calm music like ocean waves or use stress hand santizer from bath and bodyworks. This may not work for you but it did for me. Try what ever makes you feel better. I can only imangine how much stress you are under with school and work. Taking deep calm breathes was another trick that i used to de stress. I hope that you will be able to find someway to help you not stress so much.

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    Cheryl Morris
    Saint Louis MO
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Stressed out

    Posted 02-05-2019 05:14 AM
    Stress for me is a part of daily life. Dealing with stress is something I have mastered over the years. I read historical romance novels and get lost in the text as I Invision what the author is describing. It takes me away from the hear and now. Another stress reliever is art; coloring, painting, drawing, mosiac, sculpting and also pottery. But, the biggest de-stressor for me is either a date with me, myself and I  or with my best gal pals. Ridding yourself of stress improves your health.

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    Janella Malone-Barnes
    Coordinator of Field Experience
    Henry Ford College
    Oak Park MI
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Stressed out

    Posted 02-05-2019 07:21 AM
    I so feel for you! I also teach full time, 3K and 4K and I'm in graduate school. I also have a house, a husband, and 2 boys in middle school. Self-care is a must! I love my job, but little people are draining. They drain "my bucket" way more than they fill it. Sleep is of utmost importance to me. I need as close to 8 hours as I can get. Which means some things don't get done. Right now that means I neglect the housework. It's not ideal, but it saves my sanity. I'd love a cleaning person, but that's not in my budget. I try to schedule in times to exercise, but that doesn't happen as often as I'd like. I'm  a perfectionist,  but I've learned to let go. Find ways that "fill your bucket" and prioritize those. Figure out what can be "let go" during this "season", this won't last forever. Do what has to be done and know you'll get to the rest when you can.

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    Heather Finnegan
    Preschool Teacher
    Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with School
    Delavan WI
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Stressed out

    Posted 02-05-2019 05:34 PM
    One thing that gets me through is that I have an understanding of what my limits are and that as one person there is only so much that I can do. That being said, I also like to take time for myself. 
    Forget about your priority list and deadlines for even if it is 30 min. a day. In this time you can do what relaxes you and clears your mind. It can take the form of anything you enjoy doing for and by yourself! My mantra is "How can I take care of others if I don't take care of myself?" 
    One day at a time, breath and press that restart button!

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    Angelica Gonzalez
    Arizona PBS
    Laveen AZ
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Stressed out

    Posted 02-05-2019 06:46 PM
    I agree very much with Hilary's suggestions.  Self-care is of utmost importance- you need to get sleep, eat healthy, and get regular exercise (whatever form you like best- yoga, walking, running, aerobics, dancing, etc...).  You can't take care of other things in your life if you aren't taking care of yourself first.  What she says about staying away from non-positive people is also a very important suggestion.  Its perfectly okay to share your struggles and stress with people, but it should be people who want to help get you through it, and are positive, uplifting people, rather than people who will just wallow in the bad times with you.  Stay strong!  It is very difficult working and going to school at the same time.  Have faith in yourself!  In worst comes to worst, just slow down on/back off a little on your course load.  Taking extra time to finish is better than not finishing.  Good luck!

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    Heidi Van Amburg
    PreK Teacher
    Primrose School of St. Louis Park West
    Crystal MN
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    Original Message