Tweaking my mind set

I'm not thinking or dwelling about school or anything...but I have said that these holidays I would 'sit down' and think about how I can deal with the stress which manifests itself in me because of my job. So here goes....

I love my job. And I love my school. I love the children I teach and I love the environment I have been so lucky to get a job in. Teaching in London is not easy. But my school, it really is like a haven of peace. People care. I think its the caring that makes the difference. I truly love it. (Don't get me started on all the things I love about it!) However no matter how much love I have for my job, it doesnt alter the fact that it can be a highly stressful one. It causes me worries, and it causes me the kind of stress that I carry home. I don't make a habit of taking home marking, but the never ending list of things to be done is carried home with me. The stress from this list sits on my shoulders, its not such heavy weight but its just an ever present, constant burden...

And what I've realised over the years, is that I don't actually deal with stress so well. I'm the kind of person who crumbles and cries. I do! And lets face it, we usually feel better after shedding a few tears, however the lead up to the tears is long and drawn out and not pleasent at all.

I remember the days where I would feel 'stress' at school, but as soon as I walked out the gate it would literally disapear. These days...not so much.

So what am I going to do differently over the next few months??? (Because this is the important part)

I am going to NOT sweat the small stuff, or even the big stuff. I am going to remember that one person can only do so much. I am going to prioritise. I am going to make lists and feel pleasure at ticking things off (and I may even start my lists with things I have already done). I am going to take my break and lunch times. And I am going to remember that its the PEOPLE who are most important. The children matter, my relationships with my co-workers matter and it is important to be able to stop in the corridor and just have idle chat.

This is my PLAN anyway. And even if I don't completely and continuously stick to the plan, as long as I enjoy my days from start to finish regardless of whether I am at work or not, I will feel happy.

I am determined to succeed with my battle now against the way I deal with work related stress. Because at the end of the day, I love my job, and I love my life. So work having any sort of negative affect on my life....it just doesn't make any sense does it?