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It's a Killer, but you can't live without it!

Submitted by Administrator on May 4, 2010 - 3:10pm

Dealing with Stress

Lesson plans, searching for essential supplementary material, end of term assessments on top of a 25 hour teaching week plus friends/family coming to stay, the round of seasonal parties, domestic chores...in short, the food of stress!

Depending on your approach, it can either be life giving or life taking. It is designed to trigger the adrenalin necessary for clarity of thought and speed of action in times of crisis and, as such, can be one's guardian angel.

But when it takes over too often, is too intense and lingers too long, it can be powerfully destructive. We cannot eliminate it, indeed we cannot live without it but we need to learn to manage it, in order to avoid its negative effects.

Warning signs
There are various conditions which indicate that you are over-stressed. Behavioural changes such as apathy; aggression; a slide in quality and/or quantity of work you achieve; withdrawal and perhaps even a slip in personal grooming.

Emotions of guilt, anxiety, bitterness, worthlessness, depression or emptiness are strong indicators, as are the physical signs such as aches, weariness, loss of energy and irritability.

Learning to manage stress
Managing stress does not mean eliminating it and it is worth remembering that stress is a powerful force which can be directed to acts of evil or great and worthy gestures. There are a number of ways (isolated or in combination) that we can use to manage our stress:-

  • Getting away.
    This might involve going for a walk, taking a nap, a breather, or a day off. Or it may entail more radical moves away from the scene, e.g., leaving home; changing jobs - the decision is yours.

  • Changing how you relate.
    Changing how you relate to what is stressing you could include learning to say no; becoming more assertive or candid; setting realistic goals; being empathetic and less critical.

  • Changing what causes the stress.
    By asking yourself if you have any control over the situation, you may find that you can indeed change in whole or in part the situation that is causing you stress.

  • Accepting what causes the stress.
    If the situation cannot be changed, accepting it as an opportunity for learning and development can help lessen the stress it can cause.

  • Building stress tolerance.
    When faced with a cause of stress which you can´t change and which won´t go away, it is helpful to have already built stress tolerance. In order to build sufficient physiological and emotional resilience, it is important to get enough sleep and regular exercise; to eat a healthy and balanced diet; to set time aside for regular relaxation; to develop tolerance and patience; and to talk through your problems with a strong support person or group.

    Achieving a balance.
    Achieving a balance between personal and professional life is important in avoiding harmful stress. To do so you need to establish boundaries in the different areas of your life, be they family, friends, colleagues, work commitments, social commitments.

    It is human nature for every 'stakeholder' in your life to want all you can give and only you can decide and establish how much you are prepared to give of yourself to each one. The most important factor is to decide what your values are and to choose and prioritise your commitments accordingly. That way, you can avoid many of the conflicting and stress causing forces in both your personal and professional life.

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    Contribute your city data to our annual Cost of Living Guide and win a Kindle E-Reader!

    Submitted by Administrator on January 25, 2012 - 1:04pm

    Win a Kindle E-Reader 

     


    Featuring detailed data on local costs of your shopping basket and services for 159 cities in 87 countries around the world, TEFL.com's City Cost Guide has become an indispensible resource for the international teacher. As the information is contributed by teachers 'on the ground', it is always current and relevant to staff employed overseas.



    The City Cost Guide is updated annually and we are now accepting cost of living data for your city!  

     

     



    As a thank-you to contributors, this year we are offering the opportunity of winning a Kindle E-Reader to two lucky contributors who have their data published in the City Cost Guide.


    BEP Mobile Teaching Unit, Thailand: World Education Training

    Submitted by Administrator on November 29, 2011 - 4:43pm

    Every year BEP trainers help World Education with their biannual week long training for English teachers. So, we put on our thinking caps a month ago on what we could usefully offer. After a useful meeting at World Education, the topics were:

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    BEP Mobile Teaching Unit, Thailand: Hands On Training @ 42km School

    Submitted by Administrator on November 7, 2011 - 11:52am

    42km is named that as such as it is 42km from Mae Sot, is a boarding school and is fairly close to the Burma border. It is not one of our regular schools but they asked for a day's training, so the teacher/trainers went down at the week-end and spent the day with them...

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