ABC's For a Low Stress School Year

Attitude.
Nothing beats a positive attitude. If you think you'll have a great day, you will.
B alance.
Equal parts of work and play make for a better day.
Calm.
Count to ten before you act or speak. Take a slow, deep breath at the first sign of tension.
D iscipline.
Enforcing discipline doesn't mean you're a toughie. It means you care about all kids.
Escape.
Take a five-minute "mental escape' to an exotic place.
F lexibility.
Plan, but don't be so rigid that you can't change things if circumstances dictate.
G row.
Do something to expand your mind or tone your body.
H umor.
Put something that makes you smile in your plan book or top desk drawer.
Inoculate.
Protect yourself from "stress carriers--people who gossip, breeding negativity.
J oy.
Keep a you journal by recording at least one good thing that happens every day.
Knowledge.
Know yourself, the kids you teach, and most of all, your stress triggers.
Listen.
To yourself, to your body, and to others.
Meditate.
Take a few minutes each day for quiet reflection.
N eutralize.
If you can't change the situation, change how you view or respond to it.
O rganize.
Use a planning calendar to organize your activities.
P lan.
...and have a backup plan for when your primary plan doesn't work out.
Question.
If you're not sure about school rules, procedures, or practices, ask someone who is.

Read.
Take time to read for pleasure.
Socialize.
All work and no play makes for a dull day.
Time.
Make the most of the time you have. Ask colleagues to share timesaving tips.
Utilize.
Take advantage of prepared forms and teaching aids.
Voice.
Express your opinions. Pent-up thoughts and emotions create stress.
Walk
Get up and move. Walk around the playground or the building. Organize a walkers' club.
X ercise.
build in at least five minutes of exercise a day. Use stairs whenever possible.
Yoga.
Learn or practice relaxation techniques.
Z ZZZs.
Get plenty of rest. Know how much sleep your body needs and give it that much.