Stress Contagion and School Counselors

Stress contagion may be a new term to you, but it refers to the phenomenon where individuals within a group or social network can “catch” or be influenced by the stress levels of others around them. And whether it’s your first or your fifty-first year in a school, please let us remind you that ’tis the season for stress! Understanding the relationship between stress contagion and school counselors is important, and we have some strategies to help you keep that stress contagion from spreading!

Research has shown that stress can indeed be contagious. You know what we’re talking about… When someone in your workplace (or family) is highly stressed, their stress can affect their coworkers. This can lead to increased stress levels among the entire team. This is more than just dealing with difficult coworkers, which we have discussed before.

As the school year draws to a close, it’s common to feel a sense of exhaustion and burnout.   Repeat after us, “IT IS COMMON AND NORMAL” to feel exhausted and burned out.  Starting around April we feel the stress of testing, challenging student behaviors often increase, and then there are the feelings of not accomplishing all that you set out to accomplish during the school year. In an article for Health Magazine, Dr. Carla Marie Manly said that the “Stress contagion—the tendency to absorb others’ stress, anxiety, and tension—is a form of this human propensity.” She also stressed that the more empathetic you are, the more susceptible you may be. Empathy is the very nature of our job, so it’s important to use the following strategies to boost your stress immune system!

• Set Boundaries: Boundaries can prevent you from overextending yourself. Learn to say no to additional commitments or responsibilities that may contribute to your exhaustion. Protect your time and energy by prioritizing tasks that are essential.
• Reflect on Achievements: Take time to reflect on your accomplishments throughout the school year. It’s easy to think about what we didn’t accomplish, but celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. Reflecting on what you’ve achieved can boost your morale and motivation to finish the year strong.
• Recharge and reset. This could involve activities such as journaling, meditation, spending time in nature, or engaging in a creative hobby. Find what works best for you and incorporate it into your routine regularly.
• Delegate Tasks: Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to others, whether it’s assigning students responsibilities in the classroom or seeking support from colleagues and administrators. Sharing the workload can alleviate stress and prevent burnout.
• Stay Organized: Maintain organization in both your personal and professional life. Use tools such as planners or digital calendars to manage your time effectively and avoid last-minute rushes. Being organized can help reduce stress and increase productivity.
• Connect with Colleagues: Reach out to fellow educators for support and camaraderie. Share your experiences and challenges with trusted colleagues who can offer empathy and advice. Building a supportive network can help you feel less isolated and more resilient. A great way to do that is by joining our course, Growing Your Program for School Counselors. Click here to sign up for our wait list.
• Set Realistic Goals: Set realistic goals for yourself as the school year comes to an end. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and prioritize them based on importance and urgency. Setting achievable goals can help you stay focused and motivated.
• Plan for Transition: Start planning for the transition to the next school year by reflecting on what worked well and what areas could be improved. Consider any changes or adjustments you’d like to make for the upcoming year, and begin laying the groundwork for a smooth transition.
• Celebrate Endings: Finally, take time to celebrate the end of the school year and acknowledge your hard work and dedication. Whether it’s hosting a small gathering with colleagues or treating yourself to a special reward, find a way to mark the end of the year and usher in a sense of closure.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively conquer end-of-school-year exhaustion and finish the academic year feeling rejuvenated and ready for what lies ahead. Remember to be kind to yourself and prioritize your well-being as you navigate this busy time.