Stress Mitigation Methods for the New Year

When the semester kicks into full swing, so too can stress increase in class. Students sometimes learn through our example how to handle stress and cope with life’s challenges. Because of this, a few stress mitigation techniques may help classes come together as a community.

So what are things we can do to alleviate and manage stress in class? According to Jim Hickman and Kathy Higgins in an Education Weekly article, there are 10 tactics we can employ to cut stress adapted for a college-level context:

1. Implement trauma-informed approaches to integrate safety, trust, collaboration, choice, empowerment, and equity into all educational environments. If your institution provides access to wellness support, referring students to their services may make a huge difference.

2. Foster long-term, secure relationships between educators and students to support academic, personal, cognitive, and social-emotional development through holistic student support.

3. Greet students at the beginning of each class with a welcoming gesture or acknowledgment to create an atmosphere of trust, respect, and care.

4. Provide students with opportunities for one-on-one discussions or consultations to ensure their individual needs are addressed and supported.

5. Designate safe spaces within the campus or educational environment for students to take a break, relax, and regroup, particularly important for those dealing with stress or trauma.

6. Maintain consistency and predictability in class schedules and instructional practices to provide a sense of stability and structure for students.

7. If food insecurity presents with a student, partner with student life to ensure students have access to nutritious food options. Supporting other opportunities for physical activity to support their overall well-being and academic performance will help as well.

8. Utilize strategies to facilitate class discussions, such as prompting with open-ended questions and providing opportunities for active participation to help students feel more engaged and connected.

9. Encourage critical thinking and inquiry-based learning by using phrases like "I wonder" and "I notice" to stimulate intellectual curiosity and deepen understanding.

10. Incorporate social-emotional learning into the curriculum and classroom activities to help students develop self-awareness, social skills, and responsible decision-making.

Incorporating these stress mitigation techniques into our approach to teaching can have a tremendous impact on the well-being and success of our students. By fostering a supportive and nurturing environment, we not only help students manage stress but also empower them to thrive academically and personally.

Source: https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-10-simple-steps-for-reducing-toxic-stress-in-the-classroom/2019/11

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