Top Ten Stress Management Tips for Teachers

Authors- Mary Kemper Cohen, Maureen Gale, Joyce, M. Meyer. Material is adapted from their book Survival Guide for the First-Year Special Education Teacher (Revised Edition). (2005). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill-Pearson ISBN 0-13-170156-8. http://www.prenhall.com/specialeducation

1. Mix relaxation with your daily teaching responsibilities. After pushing all day, don't push more when you come home. Develop a relaxed spirit within yourself. Keep a balance in your life- friends, family, work, community, and self.

2. Make a list of relaxing activities and plan to participate in them at least three times each week. Schedule fun!

3. As you shower in the morning, visualize your routine for that day.

4. Wear clothes that are comfortable.

5. Plan to arrive at school at least 15 minutes before you are required to be there.

6. Find humor in stressful situations. Your students will appreciate and learn form your ability to laugh when things don't go exactly as planned.

7. Anticipate your students' reactions to lessons and plan accordingly.

8. Get it off your chest. Talk about your day with a caring friend, but avoid getting caught up in school gossip.

9. If you've had a bad day, plan something relaxing to take your mind off the day's events: Read a book, exercise, meet a friend for dinner. Then, after you've recaptured your perspective, evaluate the day's events to determine what, if anything, could have been done differently.

10. Make a few "emergency" lesson plans for those days when you are absent unexpectedly or when your other plans fall through.