[Tim]

regular exercise, playing guitar, reading, praying, reading the Bible, connecting in meaningful community where I am known, pausing to reflect on and appreciate times when my work with children seems meaningful.

[Nathalie]

If you are stressed and need a moment ask someone to step in. Walk outside for some fresh air and take deep breathes and rebalance your self again.

[eric]

I find a good relationship with my coworkers and management team is essential. It gives a person a place to go to talk and vent also dance party or running outside with kids is a huge help

[Caitlyn]

I think something that I am discovering is that bringing food that feels nourishing and like I am caring for myself is really helpful. Also bringing tea or something warm makes a big difference and staying hydrated. Taking my breaks free from time on my phone and focused on movement or taking stock of how I am doing and checking in with myself and noticing when I am stressed or struggling during the day and cultivating and environment with fellow teachers and staff of checking in with each other and offering support if a teacher needs a break from a challenging moment.

[Olivia]

I find taking deep breaths and drinking water are helpful when I’m feeling a little frustrated or upset. If it gets worse, I think leaving the situation, walking away or out of the classroom (leaving someone there with the children) is very important.

[Lexy]

I personally like to talk a walk or bath when I am feeling stressed. Sometimes I will meditate or just talk to my husband about my day or ask for advice on how to solve the cause of my stress if possible.

[Scion]

To be completely honest, I pray. When I’m feeling overwhelmed or stressed while at work, I just funnel my emotions into silent, mental prayers to God and I try to focus on what I’ve been taught and what I know instead of those said emotions. When I’m at home, guided Christian meditations and laying on my bed with the lights off and listening to music really helps, too. When I have the energy for it, journaling/writing about my feelings really helps as well.

[Liana]

When I am stressed I like to walk my dog, go for drives or take a nap.

[Ashley]

I work in a classroom with 3 other teachers, when I’m stressed or need a moment I’ll tell the people I work with and either go to the kitchen to get some water and a snack, or I’ll go to the bathroom to just breath for a minute. I also have some comforting scents I keep with me in my purse that help me calm down.

Most of the time, though, I find it easiest to just put myself into the position of the child when they are stressed and it’s causing me stress. I think about what’s making them stressed, why it’s stressful for them, how I can best help, and this helps me feel more in tune with the child. I feel less stressed and upset. Actually, the most stressed I ever felt was while working with a new baby, I couldn’t get him to stop crying and I felt horrible because I couldn’t figure out what he needed. This went away as I got to understand his schedule more, and now he’s one of the sweetest and happiest baby ever.

[Marissa]

Deep breathing, prayer, exercising and processing with a trusted friend

[Robyn]

Making sure i am healthy at every level (physically, emtionally, mentally, spirtually) really helps replenish my self allowing me to continue to nurture others. I also make it a point to vent and decompress each night with my partner.

[Sophia]

I like to listen to music or do physical activity.

[Sarah]

I have a specific playlist on Spotify to listen to when I am feeling powerful emotions

[Alexis]

I remind myself that people are trusting their children with me and it gives me a sense of duty and helps me through the stressful and emotional moments

[Kaitlyn]

Breathing techniques and during my break taking a few minutes for myself and closing my eyes to try and relax my body and my mind.