The teachers' top 20, tips for easing teacher tension

Whether you are a first-year teacher or a seasoned vet, chances are you get a little stressed and, dare I say, overwhelmed at times. Don't feel guilty, embarrassed, or ashamed to admit it. It happens to each and every one of us. The trick is in knowing how to combat the stress and keep that overwhelmed feeling at bay.

When asked what her biggest concern for her new career was, a first-year elementary teacher friend of mine responded with, "expectations."

She is concerned she might not meet all expectations set about for her as a new teacher. From curriculum to centers, materials and their cost to just micro managing the classroom and all that teaching entails. She's thrilled to be a teacher, but a little overwhelmed as well. I admit, I can relate. It can be so all consuming in the beginning.

I could lend her and fellow teachers my own advice alone, but I felt I could do a greater service by going a step further. Instead I surveyed seven teachers, new and experienced, to find out what their top tips were for calming first year fears and preventing (or at least easing) long-experienced headaches. So here's a little of my advice and a whole lot of theirs all mixed together. Hope this helps!

1. Keep things in perspective. You'll have that nagging need to do everything right in your first year, but you won't. So relax a little.

2. Go in with clear expectations and develop and maintain good classroom management. The lesson plan you've worked so diligently on perfecting will be lost on a classroom that doesn't have discipline.

3. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a sign of weakness.

4. Learn to laugh with your students. Laughter releases endorphins and in turn relieves tension and stress.

5. Support other teachers by volunteering and finding ways to be helpful. They will return the favor!

6. Don't let testing and lesson plans overshadow teachable moments. (One of my favorites)

7. Remember to breathe (let go of the angry or nervous breath). Then, be yourself no matter how zany. The students will appreciate it and be more interested in what you're teaching. Hence, they will learn.

8. Always be prepared. If that means going in early and using all of planning period, then do it. You might have to plan some over the weekend. I know. It's a lot of work, but when you're ready for your students, the day goes smoother because you are at ease.

9. Go to bed at a decent hour. (I need to start following this one). Grading papers can wait. (Unless it's midterm).

10. Do your best. Don't beat yourself up. Even if you do the job of Super-Teacher every day, you can't save every student, or make every parent happy.

11. Remember you have a first name! Don't let your title of teacher become your only identity.

12. Find something to be passionate about outside of work. Make time for you.

13. Do something for yourself on your plan period even if its just snacking and playing your favorite music while you work.

14. Vent to someone who understands.

15. When you find yourself with alone time in your classroom, close the door and just sit in silence. We all know there's not enough silence in a teacher's workday.

16. If it's not sinking in and you're being met with blank stares or distracted students, take a couple of minutes to let the kiddos stand up and stretch. You try it, too. Maybe take a time out for tunes and just dance crazy for a minute or two.

17. Yoga. Yep. I said it. It's a great stress reducer and it keeps the mind and body fit. There's also "Yoga for Kids" online that you can use in your classroom. It comes with cards to show the kids what to do and a YouTube video. Worth looking up.

18. Do not take on more than you can handle.

19. Remember when you thought teaching would be fun? Find things that make teaching fun for you and do them.

20. Last, but not least: Remember, tomorrow is another day.