“Never stress on what you can’t control and never worry about what isn’t yours.”  ―  Snoopy

Snoopy.  Such a smart little beagle.  Last post I talked about how ridiculously high physiological stress I am, and today I’ve some tips for handling classroom stress, be it physiological or otherwise.  

Focus on finishing the thing or task right in front of you before moving onto the next thing or task, (whether in action or just thought)

I’m not good at this one, because I like to strategize and Tetris out my next several moves for maximum accomplishment.  However, as I’ve looked at my physiological stress data from Oura, I can see that the times my attention is very divided are the times my stress levels are at their highest.  When I’ve managed to focus on one thing, and just take other things as they come, my stress levels have been significantly lower.  Definitely something for me to work on.  

A handful, or a couple minutes, of deep breaths

This is one I am also not good at.  It’s very simple, and I was good at it last year when I was prepping for childbirth, but now a year later, nope.  I just don’t think to do it except at bedtime.  However, it is scientifically backed that deep breaths help alter reroute one’s nervous system from stress to relaxation.  It’s a quick way to help oneself self-regulate…if one thinks to do it.  Unlike me.

Exercise or add some mobility to help refocus

This can be hard to do in the classroom, but taking a quick lap around the school on planning or lunch can help release some much-needed endorphins.  I used to work with a woman who had Super Planning (planning and lunch back-to-back) and she often used that time to walk a mile to the neighboring elementary school and back.  She’d get some fresh air and a good dose of quiet.  Plus our Florida sunshine alone helps perk one up (or melt, depending on time of year…).

And speaking of quiet, keep a “quiet” desk

Okay this comes from my recent dive into minimalism and “quieting” spaces.  “Quieting” a space just involves removing all the objects from a space for a few days and then slowly reorganizing them and putting them back as you need them and getting rid of the objects you realize you don’t need.  For teacher desks, this would be just keeping the immediately needed materials on your desk.  This one, I was good at this one!  Sometimes I would go into a classroom to cover for a class period and the teacher desk was unable to be seen.  Which is fine because it wasn’t my classroom, but for me, having papers and supplies all over is too stimulating and stressful.  I managed this with labeled bins for each class period, only keeping the papers I was currently assessing on my desk, and promptly returning already graded work.   

Play some calming music while students work or when you’re in room before school, planning, lunch, whatever

Classical, elevator music, spa music, it all can help to set a calm environment and destress.  I used to work with a woman who would blast music, not relaxing music, every passing period.  It was so loud you could not talk in the hall near her room because you couldn’t hear the person you were talking to.  I was not a fan.  For me, it added a layer of unnecessary chaos.  But the right genre at the right decibel level can offer cortisol reducing benefits.

And, speaking of music, if you’d like to incorporate some songs into your classroom, I have these lesson that do just that!

Happy Teaching!

M.D. Saints
Reading the Rapids
Liberty Dog Writing Co.

Novah comfy anytime and anywhere. Nike contemplates making herself uncomfy at the presence of an invader hahaha.