Beat the blues , Take the control

In a Traditional society the role of a teacher was restricted to socialising the younger generation through accumulated knowledge and wisdom contained in the customs, practices, attitudes and values. Today the teacher’s role is different and more complex. An industrial society makes a number of demands on the teacher. The teacher has to socialise, guide, evaluate and motivate the students, promote equality of opportunity import training in democracy and make students sensitive to the needs and expectations of modernising Society of the present and future.

The educational process involves the teacher and the taught. Although the role of the student is the focus, it is the teacher who is the kingpin in the educational process because how a teacher teaches is more important than what the teacher teaches. ?It is this process which can motivate or bring about indifference in the students. The mental and psychological state of a teacher who is happy and optimistic can influence a teacher’s effectiveness and consequently the students’ future.

Advances in science and technology awarded the material comforts but have brought along with it many concomitant problems one of them is stress. Just as all those exposed to germs do not catch infection all those exposed to the same physical or social environment do not react in the same manner.? Situations that seem stressful to some may not appear stressful to others. ?The reaction depends upon the vulnerabilities of the individual and adequacy of the defence systems.

When a workplace nurtures a happier, healthier and highly motivated and productive environment for its employees it is a healthy workplace to be in.

To do list? for institutions to reduce the stress of teachers

1.???? Avoid over loading of teachers.

2.???? Correction load can be reduced with a few peer corrections, mass corrections and using codes instead of writing? specific feedback. For instance, 2 could stand for possessing good vocabulary, 5 for improve spelling and so on. However, this needs to be communicated to the parents for transparency.

3.???? Share the lesson plans. Prepare a data base so that teachers can dip into it.

4.???? Streamlining of the curriculum to “teach less for better learning”

5.???? Use of technology for automated feedback and marking through education apps

6.???? Communications: reducing parents’ meetings, switching parents’ meetings to online and/or during the school day, reducing the number of meetings. Avoid keeping the teachers back after school hours as far as possible. In a city like Mumbai travelling by public transport can be a stressor too. In addition to this they may be having personal concerns.

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7.???? Upskilling sessions need to be spread throughout the year. Give the teachers time to assimilate the learnings.

8.???? Practice meditation, yoga.

9.???? ?Staff picnics & Aerobics ?sessions help in energising the team

To do List for teachers to beat the blues

• Look at your options.?Talk to your boss about your concerns. Find out what can wait. If things at work are not likely to change, you might want to look for a job that would be a better fit for you.
• Seek support.? Talking to others might help you cope.
• Try a relaxing activity.?Look for activities that can help with stress. Examples are yoga, meditation or tai chi.
• Get some exercise. It also can take your mind off work.
• Get some sleep.?Sleep restores well-being and helps protect your health. Power nap on reaching home might be a good practice.
• Practice mindfulness.?This practice can help you deal with what's happening on the job.
• Learn to say NO.
• Be kind to yourself. Practice self-care and self-compassion. Prioritise self-care - Try to have some ME Time.

Kristin Neff defines self-compassion as the capacity to offer oneself gentle understanding and acceptance, even in the face of challenges or perceived failures.

It enables us to have a “growth mindset Self-compassion helps you understand that your experiences are connected to the broader tapestry of human existence.

We don’t need to compare ourselves to others in order to love ourselves. It is alright to be not perfect. Embrace your imperfections. Set realistic goals. Cultivate a hobby. Above all, think and be positive.

Beat the stressors. Take control of your life.

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