HEY, TEACHER - GOT STRESS?

The month of May is a busy time for teachers. It's probably right up there on the busyness scale with the month of June. (Yes, that is an actual word - look it up!) Testing, finishing long term units of study, completing end of the year grading, finalizing calculations for report cards, constructing holiday projects, attending meetings, making material request orders, registering for continuing education classes, cleaning up the classroom, and managing an assortment of other duties all contribute to raising stress levels at this time of the year. So what's a teacher do to remain mostly calm and sane for the next few weeks?

I suggest one way is to relax by doing stuff around the home. Gardening, building stuff, mowing the lawn, or pulling weeds while listening to music with headphones on all provide a means of escape. Getting dirt under your fingernails and grass stains on your jeans has a magical way of releasing the tension from your body. These activities give time for your mind to wander and commune with nature. Plus, if you're like me, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment after completing projects around the house.

If working outside doesn't excite you, why don't you escape to the back deck and read a good book instead? Imagine the pleasure you'll get from kicking back in your comfy lawn chair, feeling the warmth of the sun wash over your skin, while you sip a fruity flavored drink with a tiny bamboo umbrella in it. Sound relaxing?

Another way to seek respite from the daily grind is to plan a vacation. The simple act of searching for places to visit and things to do via the newspaper, a magazine, or through travel sites on the internet help put the pep back in your step. The dream of visiting someplace different lets your mind wander for brief time and helps raise your endorphins. Stress abates, tension eases, and relaxation ensues.

Even though I geared this post toward teachers and the tension that they deal with at this time of the year, don't fret if you're not an educator. All humans in every walk of life could use the chance to take a break one in awhile. So, feel free to take any or all of the suggestions I mentioned above and just relax.

Take it easy ...

Thinking of a road trip?