Worry Often Gives a Small Thing a BIG Shadow: How I Learned to Manage Stress

When I was in my 20’s, I had a medical scare that changed my perspective on stress forever. Overnight, I developed symptoms that were eerily similar to a chronic autoimmune disease from which both my father and brother suffered. The fear was immediate and intense—this was the first time I truly faced my own mortality. I rushed to see a doctor that week, expecting the worst, only to be told I was completely fine. The cause of my symptoms? Stress.

At first, I couldn’t wrap my mind around how stress could manifest in such physical ways. I didn’t even think I was stressed! It wasn’t until I spoke with my father, who had struggled with his own illness, that I began to understand. He shared something that has stayed with me ever since: “95% of what you worry will happen, NEVER HAPPENS.” What a powerful truth!

I realized that so much of what I had been worrying about—money, exams, relationships—had eventually resolved itself. Worry was casting a giant shadow over small issues. From that point on, I decided to actively change how I handled stress.

Here are a few strategies that helped me and can help you:

1. Shift Focus: When stressful thoughts start creeping in, especially at night, I now grab a book or turn on a show to shift my focus. Redirecting my mind helps the worry fade into the background.
2. Create a Plan: When faced with legitimate reasons to worry, I break down the problem and create a plan of action. Writing down steps to tackle an issue helps shift my focus from fear to empowerment.
3. Find Strength in Preparation: Being proactive reduces feelings of powerlessness. By preparing for different scenarios, I felt stronger and more equipped to handle challenges.

As educators, our jobs can feel incredibly overwhelming. According to busyteacher.org, teachers make around 1,500 educational decisions a day. That’s enough to make anyone’s head spin! From split-second decisions to monumental choices that impact students’ futures, it’s easy to feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world. And beyond the classroom, we often carry concerns about our students’ well-being, adding even more stress to our already full plates.

So, how do we deal with it?

• Practice Mindfulness: Find activities that help you focus on the present moment, whether it’s deep breathing, prayer, meditation, or simply going for a walk.
• Lean on Your Support System: Talk to your peers or loved ones when you feel overwhelmed. Sometimes, just having someone listen can alleviate a lot of pressure.
• Recognize the Shadows: Remember, many worries are just shadows—they seem big but often fade away when the light of action and preparation shines on them.

If you’re feeling the weight of stress, know that you’re not alone, and that worry doesn’t have to dominate your life. Most of the things we stress about never come to pass—so focus on what you can control, and let the rest be what it is. You’ve got this!