Preventing sensory overstimulation at work

[vergil96]

I'm beginning a new job soon. I'll be teaching at the university. Any tips how to not get overwhelmed and overstimulated? To survive better? I worry about experiencing nonverbal episodes and I have to teach in class. I mean sensory overstimulation. I have too many tasks already, but the worst it results in is forgetfulness. I just don't want to become so overstimulated that I won't be able to talk any more. Agh. Usually university isn't something that overstimulates me this way, there are no crowds, not much noise, and I wouldn't agree to teach a class that is noisy and crowded. But it's so unpredictable when and how it happens that poof and I can't talk any more. Or something random happens and I'm boiled. I adapted up to this point, you don't really have to speak much in daily life, really, but this particular activity requires it.

 

[VictorR]

Things you may find helpful...

1. Having written lecture/lesson plans, so if you get distracted for whatever reason, you can more easily pick up where you've left off. Will you just be lecturing, or will you also use slides, video, or other forms of media?

2. Identify potential questions and have answers ready for them

3. Consider doing some reading or courses in public speaking, navigating challenging situations and how to maintain control of things - inevitably, you may have some students who may be overeager to speak out or ask questions, or engage in disruptive behaviour. You may develop your own way of doing things to assist you with your flow, such as asking students to hold their questions until you're done talking about a certain topic.

4. Consider contingency planning. What if the power goes out? Class is cancelled due to snow? Have you tried the equipment in the room/hall and found it suiting your needs?

 

[Mary Terry]

@virgil96 - Try to factor as much down time/isolation time for yourself as possible to give yourself time to recover from classroom stress. You'll need to balance your work life with plenty of recuperation time. It will get easier as you become accustomed to the new schedule and job requirements. Having predictability and an established routine will help.

Best of luck! Please let us know how you're doing with it.

 

[Rodafina]

@vergil96

Maybe you could have some audio/visual material ready to go that you could use in a pinch to recompose yourself. Also, you could give the students some group work so that they are working with each other, giving you another moment to recollect and get through your class. Then, as Mary Terry said, find lots of recuperation time, taking care of yourself outside of class so that you are able to show up to class in the best shape possible.

 

[DaisyRose]

I also tend to get overstimulated at work. When I come home, I feel so drained and tried. I like to stay positive and be polite. That can help you feel at ease and calm. You can also make notes on your computer or notebook. It can be useful to stay on track and guide you through the lessons. When someone asks a question, you can pause and take the time to think about an answer. If you don't know the answer, you can write it down and come back to it later. That will give you the time to do research and make a good decision. I hope this helps you!