Set realistic goals and take them one step at a time. Create a list beginning with the most important tasks to be completed and ending with the least important tasks. Create daily and weekly "To Do" lists and mark items off the lists as they are accomplished. Fill out all lesson plans in advance. Examine all extra activities and move them to the bottom of your to-do list, delete them completely or delegate them to someone else.
Therapeutic breathing is one of the most effective means of reducing stress. Practice positive posture while sitting to assist with breathing and to help you perform during stressful activities. Utilize slow, deep breathing techniques. Focus on physically relaxing your body. Use visualization techniques to calm your inner state of being. Make the most of spare time during classes, meetings or bells by closing your eyes, breathing deeply and imagining yourself somewhere relaxing. Count 10 waves rolling in on a beach while breathing deeply, for example. Such guided imagery can stimulate calm emotions and defuse stress.
Seek a support partner. According to Performance Learning Systems, "peer coaching" enhances a teacher's development, job satisfaction and performance. Peer coaching is the process of a teacher speaking openly with one particular respected colleague throughout the school year to maintain positive personal support. However, your support network can also include family, friends or other supportive people and groups outside of school.
Generate healthy eating habits to avoid hypoglycemia -- low blood sugar -- which causes mood and energy level to drop. Instead of grabbing a bag of chips or a candy bar from the teacher's lounge snack machine, choose apples. Avoid eating too many refined foods, which can irritate the GI tract and your moods. Eat foods with energizing and uplifting scents, such as oranges. Eat foods high in tryptophan, which is an amino acid producing serotonin in the brain. Serotonin can help calm and relax you. When ordering your chef salad from the school cafeteria, try ordering chicken, cheese, nuts and hard-boiled eggs as additions.