Edward C. Jimenez PhD
Education Program Supervisor I, LRMDS
Schools Division of City of Meycauayan
“Stress is the trash of modern life that we all generate but if you don’t dispose it properly, it will pile up and overtake your life.” – Danzae Pace
In today’s modern world, stress is a reality we have to face. We live in a world where everything seems too fast for us to handle. We have to work so hard in order to meet our basic needs. Sadly, we become so dependent on the work we have that we almost forgot the main reason why we work.
We, teachers, are not exempted into this reality. In recent years, especially with the continuous reforms being undertaken in our educational system, so much work is placed on our shoulders. We do not only have to teach our students but there are also other things that we have to do in order to meet the expectations of our schools. We also have to teach sometimes in not so friendly environmental conditions. Thus, we see teaching as our mission; we continue to passionately respond to the challenges of our teaching profession.
It is important therefore, that we find ways on making our life easy and enjoyable despite the pressures of our work. We have to be physically and emotionally fit so we can bring out the best in every learner under our guidance. It is said that our perceptions influence our stress level. Furthermore, I believe that happiness is a choice. We are the ones who make choices in life. Hence, changing our mindset or the way we think could help us in addressing stress before it affects us.
The following are some tips we can use to be able to cope up with stress.
- Avoid unnecessary stress
We should know how to say “no” especially to situation we know we cannot control. We must be able to control ourselves instead of situations or people controlling us. We must be realistic in terms of our plans and goals in life. Even when we teach, let us have objectives that are doable and attainable.
- Alter the situation
Express our feelings instead of letting them just stay in ourselves. Time management is of the essence also. We should know how to prioritize things and not let ourselves be overtaken by the pile of work we have. In dealing with others, it is important that we know when to compromise without losing ourselves in the process.
- Adapt to the stressors
Problems are part of life. We cannot run away from problems but i how we look at problems makes a big difference. Let us look at problems as opportunities for growth and improvements rather than looking at them as negative. Let us look at the big picture and not just focus on the little things. Remember, successful people looked at problems as challenges and opportunities for them to be more creative and productive.
- Accept the things that you cannot change
In the serenity prayer, it states, “God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” This prayer is a beautiful one that captures the fourth tip. There are things we cannot change and we have to move forward and not be distracted by this. It is in accepting this reality that we can find peace in ourselves.
- Make time for fun and relaxation
Work will not leave us. There will always be work especially in the Department of Education. However, we should also give time for ourselves. Let us find ways on how to recharge through healthy means. Discover our talents and hobbies. Look for sports that we love to do or play. We can start from these. If we have the skill to paint, find time to hone it. Music can be soothing to us and can relieve stress. Get a massage to relax our muscles from tension. These are some ways that we can do to have fun and relaxation.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle
Stress can come from unhealthy lifestyle of the modern world. We should find time for exercise and find time for a good sleep. Curb unnecessary fats and caffeine and sweets.
- Find time for prayer and meditation
Prayer and meditation can give us the inner strength of our stressful life. We can come into contact with our inner self. It give us the motivation to transcend the present situation and give us a resolve to do better.
The above tips are just some of the many things we can personally do in order to cope up with stress. But ultimately, it is still our decision and actions to make the situation positive. As William James said, “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”
