As the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Dedicated instructors occasionally have to assume the role of teacher cum parent as their charges are left with no inkling as to how to conduct themselves in everyday life. The constant barrage of peer pressure as well as temptations presenting themselves at street corners and via the internet sometimes prove too much for the naïve minded. All in all, stress is disruptive to learning and impedes progress.

Stress is infectious. It respects no borders as it easily spreads from teacher to student and vice versa. As such, it is the responsibility of an experienced teacher to identify its causes and symptoms. Since different factors trigger the process, teachers normally have their hands full trying to stem the spread. Although stress buster techniques are available in various forms, it is best to select those which address the root of the problem without further repercussions. Regardless of maturity or intellect, students are capable of thinking for themselves as the need arises. Therefore, engage them in a session of two whereby stress is treated as a positive subject with no tests at the end of class.

The best way to start is to look it in the face and identify its origins. Perhaps impending exams, family breakdown or relationship issues set the flame alit. Whatever the reason may be, being honest with oneself is the first step in the right direction. Moving on, pose a question to the crowd on their own methods of handling stress. Once the cards are laid on the table, it is a much easier journey to address and alleviate factors disruptive to learning.

Upon understanding what stress is as well as its effect on the physical and emotional, it is no longer an impossible task to defeat it. Many a time, it is likened to a flame. Left to its own, it grows and catches on like wildfire. By having a list of stress busters handy, the individual is armed to the gills to extinguish its spread. 

By: Evelyn O. Santiago | T-III | Doña Elementary School