Stressed Out!
from Bill Sears

We know that stress is a normal part of life, but for those working in schools, there are some unique types of stress. There are the differing economic/social backgrounds of the students, mandatory high stakes testing, increasing enrollment & larger class sizes, lack of resources/assistance in dealing with behavior, rapidly changing technology, lack of state funding and failing school budgets - just to name a few.

Medically, we know that not dealing with stress can lead to back and muscle aches, headaches, upset stomach, dreading going to work, anxiety, inability to concentrate, change in eating habits, increase weight, sleep problems, recurrent colds, and constant fatigue; depression and post-traumatic stress disorder can also develop.

While juggling the demands of the system in which we work and the individual needs of the students we serve, we tend to forget ourselves. Dealing with these factors is not easy but here’s some help from the NEA’s Health Information Network.

• Recognize you can’t do it all.
  
• Establish priorities and pace yourself.
  
• Pat yourself on the back often.
  
• Try to stretch your mind as well as your body.
  
• Stay healthy. Exercise, eat property, and get lots of rest.
  

• Download a four page Self Assessment
  
  
• Download the complete 42 page Stress Reduction Guide.