HW410

Stress: Critical Issues in Management and Prevention

Unit 9 Final Project

Mishael Francois

HW410: Stress: Critical Issues in Management and Prevention

November 17, 2020

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Stress Management and Prevention Program

It is safe to say, that throughout life, one will be affected by stress. Each new experience,

career, family dynamic, and many other life situations will bring different stressors. Managing

and preventing stress is crucial to one’s wellbeing, no matter what stage of life one is in. A good

developed plan can be put in place to help people prevent and mange stressors effectively. The

target population that I chose is the workforce of the education system. I chose this population

for several different factors. I know several teachers personally, who explain the stressors that

they encounter on a daily basis. It is apparent to me, through these conversations that stress is

high in this work climate and prevention and management of stress is critical for this profession

and within this workforce. If there is no stress management put in place, these employees risk

negative affects to them personally, and also could negatively impact coworkers and students

within the school, as well.

There are many stressors within this population that create unconstructive feelings and

negativity for many individuals.

Work Performance: Those who are graded by performance, knows the stresses it can have

on the mind. If they were to receive a lower score, it may affect bonus, promotion, and even

their employment.
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Testing: Though the testing is for students, teachers can feel the strain of student testing,

based on results, and students and type of test.

Poor administration and leadership: This problem, almost everyone faces at work. Teacher

don’t really have control over the administration, or what the decisions their leaders make.

Challenging Students: Not all students behave, and not all students learn work the same way.

Each student in a class is a challenge and dealing with this challenge everyday can cause a lot

of stress.

Difficult Parents: Most parents think their children are saints or little angels for the most

part. When a student give trouble or fails an exam, most parents blame this on teachers.

Dealing with kids can be tough, but dealing with parents can be tougher, and adds unwanted

stress.

Continual increased job demands: With everything that is happening around us, more and

workload is being added to teachers and staff members plate to keep up with new regulations,

rules, and guidelines to ensure students and others are safe. This change and constant worry

can add unwanted stress.

Teacher/Staff Evaluations: Just the word evaluation can cause stress among teacher and

staff members. As most evaluations are done real time, the level of stress added that day can

be high.
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Working Conditions/Lack of resources: Like a mechanic without tool, teachers cannot work

without proper recourses and terrible working conditions. Staff member and teachers due to

the worldwide situation, have been asked to work in some very hostile working conditions in

some states.

Low pay: Not all teachers and staff member are paid equal, and with the increase in food, gas,

and cleaning supplies, their pay may not be enough to pay bills, mortgage, and enjoy life. Not

being able to enjoy the simple things in life can add stress.

Long Hours/Working off contracted hours: Teachers and staff members are required to

work long hours, plus they are required to respond to emails, and concerns that parents may

have even after hours. Sometimes its good to come home and relax but having to work outside

normal school hours can cause stress.

Why are these stressors important to consider for this population?

These stressors are important to consider for this population because they impact not

only the employees in this population, but also can subsequently affect the students that the

teachers teach. A staff member or teacher that is stressed out may not want to explain the

work or subject to a student that does not understand. We have seen many videos online

where teachers retaliated towards a student that said something or did something to embarrass

the teacher. This may or can be the cause of added stress in a teacher or student life.
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Stress can cause weight gain, increased anxiety, chronic body aches, heart diseases and

more. It is not good for the digestive system, and can cause heartburn, constipation, and in

some cases diarrhea. It can affect relationships, job performance, and the immune system.

Getting stress under control is important to teachers and staff member alike.

3 Stress reducing techniques.

Meditation: Is a practice that lets you focus on your breathing, your emotions, and your senses.

Helps you regain focus, let go of negativity, calm your mind, and reduces anxiety. Find a

comfortable position, close your eyes, and breath. Focus on your breathing while amplifying

your senses and tapping into your emotions.

Diaphragmatic Breathing: Very easy to implement and can be used on the spot in stressful

situations. Helps with chronic stress, regain energy, sleep, and mental agility. Sit relaxed,

breathing using your diaphragm and not your chest. Breath in through your nose, and hold

observing the belly rise and not the chest. Breath out through the mouth slowly, repeat.

Yoga/Exercise: Keeping active is proven to lower stress. Yoga has been used to help reduce

stress for years. A basic walk, run, or even active hobby can help lower stress in someone life.

Whatever type of yoga or activity you choose, make sure you enjoy it and it helps reduce stress

not add to it.

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I would implement this program as a before or after school program. Teachers and staff

member that want to part take can sign up before or after class to receive instructions, knowledge

and even participate in various classes. That way it is open to everyone that has the extra time or

before of after school.

What obstacles could you face and how would you overcome them?

The world is currently in a pandemic. My biggest obstacle would be cleanliness.

Ensuring that CDC guidelines are always met and kept. Providing mask, gloves, and a cleaning

station should help me over come this obstacle. Due to the pandemic funding new school

programs may not exist. However, if a teacher is willing to get certified, and teach the program,

they should not have to pay for an instructor.

Identify at least two (2) types of health professionals that could support this program.

Health and wellness Coordinator: This coordinator may be certified in several areas and

can assist with the mediation, breathing and if they are certified the yoga.

Yoga instructor: A licensed professional instructor, can teach yoga to teachers and staff

members, from basic to more advance. This should lower the risk of injury and get teachers back

on their feet quickly.

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How would the success of this program be measured?

The success of this program should be measured based on the results. If staff member

and teachers are using the program and reporting lower stress levels and improvements in

their lives, then the program was a success. We can look at evaluation from teacher that take

the program against teachers and staff members that do not. One way of is to evaluate a

teacher not currently in a wellness program and see the before and after results.

Summary

Although stress is common to experience throughout life, it is extremely important to

try to prevent and manage it to try to maintain the healthiest wellbeing possible. While the

educational workforce is a very high stressed environment, there are ways to reduce stressors

and manage them more effectively. By implementing my program, it will allow employees in

this workforce to learn how to navigate the stressors and introduce them to different

techniques that reduce stress.

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References

Isaac Eliaz, M.D. “Why Stress Management Is So Important For Your Health.” Mindbodygreen,
Mindbodygreen, 24 Feb. 2020, www.mindbodygreen.com/0-2557/Why-Stress-Management-Is-
So-Important-for-Your-Health.html.

Staff, Mindful, et al. “How To Practice Mindfulness Meditation.” Mindful, 24 Sept. 2020,
www.mindful.org/mindfulness-how-to-do-it/.

Wong, Cathy. “Mindfulness Meditation: What It Is and How to Practice.” Verywell Mind, 22
June 2020, www.verywellmind.com/mindfulness-meditation-88369.