Stress Busters/Ways to Prevent Burnout

Stay Clear of Troublemakers

You know the ones---people who cause stress with their complaints, their demands or their ability to get your goat. Once you identify those people who continually give you grief, do your best to stay clear, for your own sake. Can't stay away? Then be diplomatic---avoid a direct confrontation. Tying up your energy with troublemakers is wasted time and effort.

Surround Yourself With Friends

You don't need a lot, just a few good ones. Friends listen without advising (unless asked). Friends care how you feel. Friends know when you need a lift. Best of all, friends know how to help you pick yourself up and get going again after a hard day.

Balance Your Life

Too much of anything is bad for you. Why not take some time to put your life into balance? As a teacher you give to others, and as a parent, spouse or friend, you also give of yourself. But maybe you should consider your own personal interests, too. Hobbies, volunteer work, or just time spent pursuing a personal dream are all worth making time for.

Pick Your Battles

Not every fight is worth the effort. If you struggle over every issue, you may not have energy left to defend what matters to you most. It's easy to think that each conflict needs your attention, but like everyone else, your time is limited. Choose what you will do battle over and leave the rest for another day.

Keep the Faith

Teaching is not a short-term endeavor. It requires vision to see the difference you make in the whole life of a child, not just in one day. It requires faith to know that what you do matters. Even on the worst day teaching, your efforts contribute to making the world a better place.