What Is The Best Stress Management for Childcare Providers?

Best Stress Management for Childcare Providers

Stress, we all feel it, we all have it. A good level of stress does motivate us to perform better. But, when stress becomes a consistent presence in our lives, our bodies, over a long period of time, it can have unhealthy impacts. Our body’s stress system becomes overloaded as it sits in emergency mode. People can begin to have physical and emotional results that are not beneficial to positive wellbeing. So, by keeping ourselves in check with stress, by listening to our bodies, mind and spirit carefully, by adopting valuable coping strategies, and actively carrying them out, we are controlling how stress affects our lives.

Stress and the Childcare Worker

Working with children is one of the most meaningful occupations. It leaves one with a sense of purpose, moments of joy brought by the preciousness of children, and many hugs. But, on the other side, it holds stressors indeed. After time, the consistent need to keep calm and patient can become strained and a childcare provider begins to feel tapped out while the overworked/underpaid phrase starts to ring in the ears. Regardless if the job is a preschool teacher, daycare worker or stay at home mom, when one is taking care of children and begins to reach the stress limit, it is time to start making choices and changes. Stress is a risk factor to one's health and well being and should be managed. To be a good caregiver is to take care of oneself as well, if not first.
The First Steps to Stress Management
The first step in stress management for a childcare worker is realizing she is in control of her stress! She cannot fix with one big band aid the problems of society, governmental systems, the child's temperament. and the childcare profession as a whole, but she can control her reaction. She is in charge of her thoughts, emotions, internal dialogue and attitude. Lifestyle changes, such as diet, sleep and exercise, will inevitably help with stress management. Furthermore, small changes in work environments can contribute to the decrease of stress level for childcare workers.
Tips for Stress Management in Childcare
Following is a list of ways to help reduce stress for childcare workers:

    Take a moment and breathe. When you are at your wits end, first know that we all get there at some point or other, and then take a deep breath and count to 10. If you need to count out loud, do so.

    Singing out loud can sometimes do the trick. It is playful and provides a childcare provider some time to calm down. In addition, children respond positively to music. If the song is directing the children, such as getting their coats on, then the benefits increase.

    Post motivational quotes or funny anecdotes where you can see them while working. Quotes that will bring a smile to your face or help you find perspective are the best.

    Children can be very entertaining, so finding the humour throughout your day will lighten up the space with laughter and will help the stress level decrease. We get paid to play, so have fun!

    Let go of trying to control other people’s behavior.

    Practice empathy and try to imagine walking in the shoes of others.

    Track your own balance as everyone’s stress level is different. Stop comparing yourself to others, and listen to your body, heart and mind. Say no if you are feeling overwhelmed and let go of a commitment or project. Remember, that if you are happy and not rundown, you will be a better caregiver.

    Lean on others. If you are working in a team, remember it is okay to ask your colleague to step in with a child’s behavior as we all have different personalities and different styles. It is helpful to remember that we all have buttons pushed inside of us and it is based on our own makeup and history.

    De-cluttering and organizing a work environment can help with the clutter in one's mind.

    In our profession, we are not always patted on the back, so go ahead and do it yourself! Treat yourself however that looks: flowers on your desk, little truffles in a drawer, a new magazine and so on.

If all else fails, and a childcare worker is still feeling stressed, tired and unmotivated, then it is important for her to listen to her needs and take a mental health day if the workplace permits. It is better to be preventative then become susceptible to getting sick, or worse, reach burnout