TEACHER’S DESK

ROSEMARY BWIRE

The second term is here. This is the longest and the most stressful academic period not only for the students, but also for the teachers. Teachers are expected to make schemes of work, set beginning of term exams, invigilate and mark them.

In addition to the above, they have to teach and carry out other administrative work. These cause a lot of stress for teachers, which affects their productivity. Below are tips on overcoming work-related stress:

Slow down
If you feel overstretched, cut out some activities and opt for those that are most crucial. This requires you to know your priorities before you can make realistic choices.

Avoid perfectionism
Be realistic. Expecting others to be perfect will only add to your stress, not to mention the pressure you put on them! Ask for help in case you need it.

Get enough sleep
Get a good night’s sleep to keep your body and mind in good shape. Sleep will also help you to deal with any negative stressors. The chemical benefits to relaxation response can be activated by relaxing. You can also trigger the relaxation response by learning simple breathing exercises and using them when you are stressed. Reading a good book or taking a bath can be helpful.

Get regular exercises
Good exercise will help relieve stress, but excessive and compulsive exercise can cause more stress. A good diet helps your body to get the right fuel to function at its best. Avoid junk or fast foods. Under stressful situations, the body needs vitamins and minerals most. Although alcohol and drugs seem to lift one temporarily, relying on them causes more stress because they wear the body’s ability to bounce back.

Be optimistic
Your attitude and thoughts influence the way you see things. Is your cup half-full or half-empty?

A dose of optimism can help you make the best of stressful circumstances. Everyone can learn how to be optimistic and reap benefits.

Take action
Learning to solve everyday problems can give you a sense of control. Develop skills to look at a problem, figure out options and take action. Feeling capable of solving little problems builds inner confidence. This can help you during times of stress. Some people easily adapt to stressful situations compared to others.

Researchers have identified the qualities that make some people resilient even when faced with high levels of stress. Work on your resilience and develop these attitudes and behaviours:
- Think of change as a challenging and normal part of life.
- See setbacks and problems as temporary and solvable.
- Believe that you will succeed if you keep working toward your goal.
- Take action to solve problems.
- Build strong relationships and keep commitments to family and friends. Have a support system and ask for help.
- Participate regularly in activities for relaxation and fun.

The writer is a teacher at Katikamu SDA
Secondary School