What Teacher Stress can do to your Body
Unmanaged, chronic stress is very common among teachers. In my book, that’s not cool.
This subject is very near to my heart. As a teacher with unmanaged stress, I struggled through 3 years of stress eating, weight gain, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal. And like many of my health coaching clients, I believed stress as a teacher was simply part of the job; something I needed to deal with in silence.
Nope nope nope. Let me tell you, it’s that belief that puts teachers on the fast track to burnout.
This week on The Whole Adventure Facebook page we’ve been talking about the effect of stress on physical and mental health. In a video, I explained some of the most common symptoms people experience due to stress.
But before we drive down Debbie Downer/Stress Symptom Scariness lane, I want to give you a light at the end of the tunnel. I believe all of these symptoms are preventable with a consistent, defined, self-care routine.
On October 20th I will show you exactly how to create an effective teacher self-care routine in the 5-Day Beat Burnout Challenge. This is our biggest free event of the year. Join hundreds of teachers as we lower stress, put self-care first and BEAT BURNOUT this school year :)
Check out this week’s video, “Stress can do WHAT NOW?!”:
For my readers, here are some of the most common symptoms of stress. Are you regularly experiencing any of these?
On Mood
Anxiety
Restlessness
Irritability
Anger
Feeling overwhelmed
Sadness or depression
Lack of motivation
Lack of focus
On Behavior
Overeating
Undereating
Angry outbursts
Drug or alcohol misuse
Social withdrawal
Exercising less often
On the Body
Headache
Muscle tension
Fatigue
Upset stomach
Sleep problems
Premature aging
Beyond these common symptoms, stress has also been estimated to be an underlying factor of 75-90% of all doctor’s visits. Stress ain’t no joke.
When I started putting self-care and stress management first, it’s like I could finally be myself again, and that’s what I wish for you.
Let’s combat the idea that teacher stress and exhaustion is inevitable together. Start by putting self-care first this school year.
