As the busiest time of year looms ahead, I'm bracing myself...I have to keep remembering to stay as relaxed as possible and to de-stress whenever I can! I bought some new sneaks, which is usually great motivation to get back out there. I used to run regularly, but haven't for the last year or so, mainly because my knees starting acting up and also because I think it can actually ADD stress to my life. However, I think it's time to start it up again, just not so intense.
(they look sort of like this...)
My main purpose of this post, however, is to get some feedback from my devoted fans... (whoever you may be...)
How stressful do you find teaching? What is "normal" stress and what are the signs that you might be happier or better suited somewhere else?
I'm not necessarily speaking about me, although there have been MANY times when I've contemplated changing jobs or switching careers. (Not that I would probably have that luxury at this time...) I'm just wondering how normal that is?
Also...what are your tricks for staying fresh and not getting burned out? I've found the following things are great distractions and hopefully relieve some stress:
- Exercise (but not too crazy!)
- Shopping (I'm contemplating starting a separate blog dedicated to my love of Vera Bradley...)
- Baking
- Yoga (ok I only did it once but I need to do it more!)
- Blogging!
...but I would love more outlets for stress relief, because it's something I will always be dealing with.
Thanks!
Running is most definitely my top stress reliever. Granted I don't have quite the same outlook since I'm student teaching (and for only four more weeks!) but I've found that exercise is something I NEED to make time for. Also music for fun. Singing with other talented adults reminds me how fantastic music is on those days when my choir just sucks.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, my first placement stressed me out to no end. Then I realized it wasn't the end of the world if I screwed up. Again, I'm leaving it behind in a month, but I think the best thing for stress (in teaching and in everything else) is to remember that nothing you do could be that terrible. You know what you're doing.
I feel like your stress level is normal. It depends on your own individual personality, but I know a lot of people that are just as stressed as you. Especially in relatively new jobs. I should find you the link to Ryan Kaminski's blog, he writes a lot on this subject.
And, if all else fails... Wine. Speaking of which, what are you doing over winter break...?
I used to exercise every day too. I just don't make the time for it, mostly because I feel exhausted by the end of the day and it just doesn't seem like a priority. I think trying to exercise every day is unrealistic, but not doing it at all is also not good.
ReplyDeleteI totally forgot to list singing as a stress reliever, haha, oooooops. And HAPPY HOUR...duh!
Mmmmm wine...
Yes to running and walking everywhere! I don't trust a thought that didn't also make sense while I am breathing fresh air while exercising. Now if only I could transplant an hour of daylight to a time that is convenient for running...
ReplyDeleteI also de-stress best with a clean house, so straightening up or hiring a cleaning lady to come once during the month of December helps immensely. It feels a little silly, but is worth every penny.
Mmmm... and I love plotting gift-giving. Knitting, gift-wrapping and making ornaments out of clay always feels like an escape... and like I've accomplished something at the end.
But... speaking of not having anything tangible to show for it, one of my favorite ways to de-stress is to curl up with a happy book.
I will second everything that Ashley and Tina said. :) I, myself, was *not* running because I felt so exhausted at the end of the day...but started again in earnest 10 days ago (that's right, 10 days straight). The impact on my stress level hit the very first day. I know now that I have to MAKE time for it. Still feel exhausted at the end of the day, but at least I'm exhausted AND I've gone running!! Even the treadmill doesn't feel so bad anymore.
ReplyDeleteThe cleaning-lady thing is also for real. I HATE spending money on things I can do myself, but we used to have one once a month...and the way you feel when you get home and the house is sparkling clean...? Priceless! I'm thinking of doing that again too...running takes up some time that could otherwise have been used for cleaning. :)
Oh, goodness. This time of year, production month for the musical, and NYSSMA solo/majors season definitely bring on the stress (not to mention the more recent, endless, and ongoing threats of budgetary cuts to our programs . . . ). It can be a bit overwhelming and I've noticed that *good* music teachers share this commonality simply because we strive to provide the best experiences/outcomes/performances (etc.) for our students. To do this, we often put in a lot of extra time and added pressure on ourselves. For the past two years, I too have found that exercise (also running for me!) is the key to relieving this stress. It sometimes seems impossible to fit that in, especially when juggling the insane "music teacher schedule," a family life, and outside interests, but it's so critical that it's done. You obviously understand the physical benefits of regular exercise but I think the added bonus of "me time" eases much of the stress, too. We need the "me time" in order to provide the best version of ourselves for our families, friends, students, and colleagues. As my Weight Watchers leader always says, "You can't draw from an empty well."
ReplyDeleteAs for the pontifications over a career change, I know that over the past seven years as a music educator in the real world, I myself have given it considerable thought in those moments where I feel especially underappreciated or devalued. For me, that typically coincides with large and small budget cuts to programs I've been associated with. I suppose we all wonder if the stress of this career is really worth it in the end. Perhaps I have tunnel vision since this is the only career I know, but doesn't it seem sad that we have to regularly grapple in handling chronic stress (however minor it may be)? Do our colleagues in other subject areas experience the issue of stress in the same magnitude that we do? I suppose it can't be answered generically, but I think it's fair to generally state that the majority of music educators do wrestle with this beast known as stress!
Thanks for you all your thoughts ladies. Every day seems to bring me a different outlook. I almost feel as though I have to distance myself from my job to some point or I become too attached/worried. It sounds terrible, and it makes me feel like I'm not being as committed as I should be, but I think it helps to keep me sane. I know that I can still do a good job without obsessing and worrying about every little thing that might not go exactly as I want it to.
ReplyDelete