Exercise more, eat healthy snacks, get a good night’s sleep… We hear these mantras daily in the media suggesting the newest remedy to combat stress. Campuses are also coming up with creative ways to relieve stress.
Find out below what is working in our Austin schools as well as quick mood enhancers that are proven easy and effective. 
At Travis Heights, students sign up for healthy snacks to share with the class.
- Let someone know you’re thinking of them
- Give kudos to someone
- Send some possible dates to get together with someone
- Smile
- Stretch
- Take a few deep breaths
- Thank someone
Nothing beats a laugh to start off your day! The PALS at Oak Springs showcased their comedic talents at their morning seminar to alleviate some testing anxiety and take advantage of April Fools’ Day.
- Send people in your life a brief personal update
- Write a thank you card
- Reflect on what you need relationally in your life right now, and can ask for
- Respond to an email that’s been nagging you
- Sit quietly
- Have a brief conversation with someone you don’t normally interact with
- Take a short walk
In another class at Travis Heights, students enjoy a movie during their lunch bunch.
- Play a game with a child or adult
- Cook with someone
- Go for a walk with a friend or family member
- Eat lunch with a colleague
- Have a “walking meeting” with someone rather than sitting in the office
- Rearrange or spruce up your work area
- Start faculty, grade level, and department meetings with shout outs
- Acknowledge the challenges we face, and how colleagues are overcoming them successfully
- Acknowledge the hard work of our colleagues
- Ask staff what would lower their stress levels and help them take care of themselves, then do that
- Make sure all students and staff know how and when they will take breaks and eat during testing days and during any abnormal schedules
- Hire a substitute for a day to give each teacher a short (~10 minute) break, and let them know in advance so they can plan for something productive for students to do while they are gone (maybe during a test)
- Bring your own family members/loved ones to work functions and encourage others to do the same
- Make sure school schedules, expectations, and procedures are crystal clear for staff and students
- Have a regular, structured communication strategy (some combination of brief faculty meetings and staff bulletins)
- Bring healthy snacks to school to give to staff with a message of appreciation for their hard work
Ben’s tip for the N in his name is an important reminder to us all!
