As you face the trials of your work, stress is the result. Pressures can grow out of control. To remain an effective teacher, good routines for dealing with stress are essential.

Prepare yourself psychologically - The right attitude reduces exposure.

1. Listen to your energy level: The demands of work never end. Your expectations and priorities can work against you. Trim them down to basics. Deal with problems one at a time and move on.
2. Make peace with your landscape: Expand your commitment to include the large struggle and the small reward. Your vital task speaks for itself, accept the best you and your students can do.
3. Be open to contact: You are not alone. Other music educators face the same kinds of challenges every day. Make connections with your colleagues and share stories.

Prepare yourself physically - The right actions reduce tension.

1. Obey your body's needs: Eat when you are hungry. Drink when you are thirsty. Rest when you are tired. The body will punish you if you do not care for it.
2. Maintain your health: Make your food choices as healthful as possible. Avoid too much soda and other caffeinated beverages. Pay attention to allergies, aches and pains.
3. Keep your body active: Take walks where possible, even if it's only for ten minutes. Getting outside can clear your thinking and is an ideal time for planning ahead.
4. Provide for an escape: Have a form of recreation handy for fun and laughter. Forgetting about work every now and then will raise your spirits and refresh your outlook.

These routines may seem like no-brainers, but they are easily forgotten or ignored in the hustle of work. Cultivate good, basic habits and you will get more out of your efforts.

Coming in two weeks: Your Local Area Associations Await You.

MENC member and Band Mentor Ron Meers contributed to this article.

-- Paul Fergus, April 17, 2008, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education (www.menc.org)