As teachers we are always taking courses, right?  Well this fall I am working on a fabulous course through Learner's Edge called Refocus and Recharge.  It is an excellent class, and I highly recommend it.  It has been helpful for me in learning ways to feel less stressed on the job as well as at home.  So why am I writing about this course?  Funny you should ask.  One of the assignments is to write about some of the topics that have been discussed in a blog.  I am choosing several topics to discuss in my blog today.  The first is about ways to manage stress, as discussed in the course book, The Well Balanced Teacher, by Mike Anderson.  There are some great ideas in the book, that I am sure you are already aware of, but it is helpful to read about them to remind yourself.  For managing stress we start by eating well-balanced meals and healthy snacks.  He gives several pages of ideas for meals and snacks, as well as ways to avoid the unhealthy foods that we come across as teachers, such as birthday treats from students.  His second suggestion is one I am very guilty of, and that is to drink plenty of water.  We as teachers are always using the excuse that we "never have time to pee!"  But we really must stay hydrated in order to help manage stress.  He suggests having a neighbor teacher cover your class, as well as a support staff member or even an administrator!  Drink your water!  The author then gives some great ways to get some physical exercise into each day.  I loved the one that says to exercise with your students.  We need to be sure we are getting a good night's sleep.  Don't stay up too late marking those math tests if you want to be fresh and ready for those smiling faces in the morning.  Something we don't all think about is our physical safety at school, but if we feel threatened we are undoubtedly stressed.  The physical conditions of our classroom can also be a place to help us relax.  He suggests painting the walls, covering up cluttered spaces, and eliminating unused furniture, and bringing in a homey touch.  Finally, the author suggests that we should connect with nature in order to refresh our minds and spirits.
     In the class, we are learning that teachers that build relationships with colleagues, administrators, families, and students are less stressed and happier.  Some ideas for building relationships that I thought were useful were starting a book club, or a walking club with colleagues and administrators.
     There is an entire chapter in the book on self-efficacy, and I feel that it is a valuable one.  Anderson tells us that it is okay to be proud of yourself, and to become less dependent on the approval of others.  We must eliminate negative self-talk, and the one that I am really going to work on is just say "thank you" when someone compliments you. So often I receive a compliment on my classroom or and activity I created, and I deflect the compliment so that I don't seem boastful or cocky.  We must give ourselves permission to feel good.
     I am certainly going to try working on many of the suggestions in this course, and right now I am going to start by having a tall glass of water!  How about you?  What ideas do you have to refresh and recharge yourself?