Teaching is indeed a stressful profession.  Aside from the lessons prepared every day, there are matters which need to be addressed.  Paperwork continues to pile up. Behavioral problems of pupils need to be corrected.  Parents’ uncooperative stance on school works and activities have to be understood.  Very seldom will we hear teachers not complaining about how stressful the day has been.

To decrease, if not eliminate stress, measures have to be undertaken.  As teachers, we can DRIVE away stress if we will:

            Develop a support system.  We need people we can depend on.  Family, friends and significant others can listen to our work problems.  Use them as sounding board, they will surely listen.  Even without problems, try to spend quality time with our loved ones.  Loved ones and friends energize us and strengthen the bonds with our loved ones.

            Replace negative thoughts.  Always think positively.  Admit your limitations as an individual and as a teacher.  Learn from past mistakes and be humorous.  Always remember the first time you laugh at yourself.

            Indulge in physical fitness activities.  Exercise is an excellent tension releaser.  It makes our minds more active and replaces lost energy.  Always spend time to rest, recharge and energize.

            Visualize and learn relaxation techniques.  Breathe deeply and release it slowly.  Get enough sleep and slow down on your taxing activities.  Take time to stand and walk around.  Do this especially when faced with stressful tasks.

            Ensure proper nutrition.  Watch what you eat and observe proper diet.  When feeling overweight, stress is creeping up on you.  You may be indulging much because of stress.  Take your time when eating.  Rushing is stressful.

By: Laureana B. Raymundo | Admin Officer I Bataan School of Fisheries Orion, Bataan