The last item may be the most challenging, but it may also be the most important. The source of all stress is the perception of a lack of control over an adverse person or situation. Unfortunately, you may not have direct control over much of what goes on in your job. For example, you may be responsible for student achievement, yet many variables that could influence test scores might be outside your control (e.g., room temperature, acoustics, lighting). You may be responsible for student achievement and still be unable to directly influence curriculum, class size, or who gets designated for an individual education plan with special services and pullout support. These all have the potential of you feel crazy- unless you become the master of your own feelings, which is much easier said than done.
Teaching is a big part of your life, but it shouldn't cost you your life. That why managing your perceptions about life (and its potential stressors) is critical to thriving in your profession. Small, daily stressors (that you let go of are just fine. That's not the issue here. Instead, be concerned about acute and long-term (chronic) stressors, which are just as deadly (n their own way) as are the concerns you may have over dementia, Parkinson's, or even Alzheimer's disease. These are all degenerative diseases, but chronic stress is something you have more control over. Change how you respond to the daily issues that seem to drive you nuts. If it takes meditation, Tai Chi, or Pilate’s classes, so be it. Take this issue seriously. You can only be at your best for the long haul when you are in good health. Without it nothing else matters. With it, and the rest of the tools from this book, you have more than a fighting chance; you will succeed