Over the years I have been involved in martial arts, but sometimes go months without going through a normal daily routine. It is during these times that I feel the effects of stress more and more. Even stretching out for half an hour each day helps immensely in reducing stress.

I think this time of season is particularly stressful due to the additional obligations many of us have. It is much harder to find any quiet time at work or at home.

When I grade DB tasks I read the DB comments as they appear each day and make notations about them in a grade book. When it comes time to assign a final grade on the assignment I don't always have to go back and re-read everything the student wrote.

I make informal to do lists and make a habit of checking off each item that is completed as soon as I complete the tasks. This makes it seems like I am actually accomplishing things.