What to do - stress sufferer

(You can find more information at www.mentalhealth.com).

Monitor yourself for symptoms of stress

Fatigue is one of the first symptoms of bad stress (distress). Many teachers have come to accept fatigue as part of the job. This is a mistake.

Stress can mimic just about any other symptom. Look out for stress symptoms and take notice of them. They are another warning of problems to come.

Take action to prevent fatigue

You must change your behaviour, your thinking, your life-style choices, the situations you are in (especially at school).

Change your behaviour

• modify your standards to avoid unrealistic expectations
• decrease effort and increase relaxation
• pace yourself by acting on feedback from your body (eg stress symptoms)
• "unload" by talking to someone - a problem shared is a problem halved

Change your thinking

• look at things more positively
• see problems as opportunities
• keep a sense of humour

Change your life-style choices

• cut down on caffeine and alcohol
• eat a well-balanced diet
• do not eat too fast
• take regular exercise
• get enough sleep
• spend more time on leisure activities, hobbies etc

Change the situations you are in

• Take regular breaks at work. Use morning/afternoon breaks and lunch breaks to switch off from work and relax for at least 20 minutes
• Modify your role/job description