The Secret to Better Stress Management: Stop Coping and Start Thriving

As a teacherpreneur, you know stress all too well. Whether it's balancing lesson plans with marketing strategies or dealing with difficult customers, stress seems to be an inevitable part of the job. 

But did you know that how you cope with that stress could be doing more harm than good? In this article, we'll delve into the impact of unhealthy coping mechanisms on your business and provide you with effective strategies to transition to healthier ones. 

By prioritizing your mental health and wellbeing, you can thrive instead of just survive. So, let's get started on the path to better stress management and a more successful teacher seller business.

Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms and Their Impact on Your Business

One major aspect of stress management is identifying and eliminating unhealthy coping mechanisms. These can manifest in a variety of ways, from indulging in unhealthy food choices splurging outside your means, zoning out in front of the TV, doom scrolling, or even turning to alcohol or substances. 

Unfortunately, these habits can have a significant impact on your ability to run your teacher seller business effectively. Not only do these habits negatively impact your physical health, but they can also lead to poor decision making and decreased productivity. 

Clarification: What are Coping Mechanisms?

Now let’s take a moment to clarify some terminology being used here. Coping mechanisms help. That’s all they are; they are a way for you to process stress and they are effective in doing just that. 

However, certain coping mechanisms help more in the short term and some more in the long term. 

Eating that piece of cake because you feel bad is not cause for concern. You are looking for comfort and you found it in that wondrous piece of double fudge chocolate cake. We have all been there and there is absolutely no shame in indulging whether you have had a bad day or not. There is no such thing as a “good” or a “bad” food. It is just food that your body reacts to in different ways (no morality needed).

However, some coping mechanisms when either done in excess or even in just the short term, can mess up your long term goals. For instance, was that 2-hour doom scroll on Instagram helping you process your emotions and a freeze response, or was it helping you avoid things and hope that they go away by the time you are done? Was that 5-hour gym session helping you process or just avoid how you were feeling by focusing on muscle growth (i.e. something you can’t control versus something you can control)?

This is the time to get really honest about what is a short term help and what is a long term help. 

I know that eating a piece of cake until I can intentionally say that I am full makes me feel satisfied because I took my time enjoying it. While eating, I can reflect on what is going on and why I gravitated toward that cake or I can try to be in the present moment of all its deliciousness. 

Either way, I am using it as an intentional stopping point to help me process stress when it comes around. 

It is also not my ONLY coping mechanism to help me move through things. Sometimes you may want cake, sometimes you may want a run, sometimes you may need yoga, and sometimes you may need to zone out with a coloring book. All of these coping mechanisms are valid. Some are just more helpful in the long term, especially when you gravitate to certain ones Every Time that you are stressed.  

The point of this section is to release yourself of the guilt of some of those more short term coping mechanisms that could become unhealthy for your long term. Accept that you move toward certain ones and be intentional about which you would like to change.

To begin the process of breaking habits that are not as helpful for you, it's essential to reflect on your current coping mechanisms and evaluate their effectiveness. This reflective activity will help you identify any patterns or triggers that lead to more unhealthy behaviors. By understanding these patterns, you can begin to develop new, healthier coping mechanisms that can help you thrive in all aspects of your life, including your business.

Reflective Activity: Evaluating Your Current Habits

Reflecting on your current habits may feel uncomfortable at first, but it's an essential step towards identifying areas of improvement. Set aside some time to sit down and evaluate your current coping mechanisms. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What unhealthy (or short term) habits do I engage in when I feel stressed?
• When do these habits typically occur?
• What triggers these habits?
• How do these habits impact my physical and mental health?
• What healthier coping mechanisms can I replace these habits with?

Answering these questions can help you gain clarity on your current coping mechanisms and identify areas for improvement. It's important to approach this reflective activity with a non-judgmental mindset and focus on self-awareness and growth. 

You may need some time to understand the patterns. Keep a note in your phone or in a notebook when you notice that you are becoming stressed and back track from that moment. Once you do this a few times, you may start to see those patterns a little easier.

Effective Strategies to Transition to Healthier Coping Mechanisms

By reflecting on your current coping mechanisms and understanding their impact, you can take steps toward transitioning to healthier ones. Here are some effective strategies to make this transition:

• Identify triggers: Recognize the situations or emotions that cause you stress or anxiety. Identifying triggers can help you develop a plan for managing them more effectively

• Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and accepting your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can help you reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.

• Develop a support system: Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you. This can include friends, family, or even a therapist. Join a 1:1 Confidence Call  for individualized help with your business and work life balance.

• Incorporate self-care into your routine: Taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally is essential for stress management. This can include exercise, meditation, or engaging in hobbies and activities that bring you joy. Here are 15 Self Care Ideas for Teacherpreneurs.

• Set realistic goals: Avoid overwhelming yourself by setting small, attainable goals. This can help you build confidence and maintain motivation.

By implementing these strategies, you can start to transition to a healthier way of coping with stress. Making a commitment to thriving can be challenging, but it's essential for achieving a balanced and fulfilling life. Join the Teacher Business Balance Membership to gain support and resources for your journey towards thriving.

Making a Commitment to Thriving: Join the Teacher Business Balance Membership

Transitioning from coping to thriving can be a daunting task, but it's a necessary step towards leading a balanced and fulfilling life. If you're looking for support and resources to aid you on your journey towards thriving, consider joining the Teacher Business Balance Membership. 

As a member, you'll gain access to a community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by teacherpreneurs trying to balance a new career with personal well-being. You'll receive expert guidance on topics such as time management, self-care, and stress reduction, as well as tools and resources designed to help you streamline your workload and achieve your goals.

By committing to thriving with the help of the Teacher Business Balance Membership, you'll be taking a significant step towards creating a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. And with the support of our community behind you, you'll be better equipped to navigate the challenges that come along the way. Join today and start your journey towards achieving balance in your life.

Prioritizing your mental health and wellbeing is crucial for success as a teacherpreneur. Unhealthy coping mechanisms can hinder your business, but by evaluating and transitioning to healthier ones, you can thrive instead of just surviving. 

Remember, it's not about coping with stress, it's about thriving despite it. As you take actionable steps towards better stress management, don't forget to seek support and resources like the Teacher Business Balance Membership or a 1:1 Confidence Call. With dedication and the right tools, you can achieve balance, promote wellness, and succeed in your business. As the saying goes, "You can't pour from an empty cup." Take care of yourself first, and the rest will follow.