1. Discuss in pairs the things that make you feel stressed, and place ideas on a post it and put on the board. Discuss as a class.

 

 

Have you ever felt sick to your stomach during a test? Have you had days when you were so loaded down with work/ issues that you had trouble sleeping? If so, then you know what it's like to feel stress. 

 

What Is Stress?

Stress is what you feel when you are worried or uncomfortable about something. This worry in your mind can make your body feel bad. You may feel angry, frustrated, scared, or afraid — which can give you a stomachache or a headache.When you're stressed you may not feel like sleeping or eating, or you might sleep or eat too much. You also may feel moody or have trouble paying attention at college and remembering things at home.

 

What Causes Stress?

Plenty of things can cause stress in life, and there are such things as good stress and bad stress. Good or normal stress might show up when you're asked to do something in front of others. Have you ever gotten butterflies in your stomach or sweaty hands? Those can be signs of good stress — the kind of stress that can help you to get things done. For example, you may do a better job if the anxiety inspires you to prepare well.

 

 

2. Read below about 'bad stress' and the effects over time...

 

But bad stress can happen if the stressful feelings keep going over time. You may not feel well if you have problems at home or in a relationship, if a family member is sick, if you're having problems at college, or if you're going through anything else that makes you upset every day. That kind of stress isn't going to help you, and it can actually make you sick. Once you recognise that you're feeling stressed, there are several things you can do. You can try talking about what's bothering you with to someone you trust, like your personal tutor. Bring up what's been on your mind and how it makes you feel. They may have ideas about how to solve whatever is worrying you or making you uncomfortable.

 

3. Have a go at the breathing exercise below

 

Ways to Tackle Stress

Getting enough sleep and eating healthy food are two great ways to help handle stress. You also can use relaxation exercises to get rid of stress. The easiest one to do is to inhale (breathe in) slowly and deeply through your nose, and then exhale (breathe out) slowly through your mouth. Do this two to four times, but don't take in too much air too quickly because it can make you feel dizzy.

You can do exercises like this anytime, without anyone noticing. You can even do breathing exercises in class if you're nervous before a test.

 

4. Check out the SELF model - how much sleep, exercise, leisure and healthy food do you have every day?

Finding a Balance

The best way to keep stress away is to have a balanced life. That means making good decisions about how to spend your time. Make sure you keep your SELF in mind: 

• Sleep,

• Exercise, 

• Leisure (something fun), and 

• Food (healthy)

 

If you take care of yourself and get enough sleep and food, and if you exercise and leave time for fun stuff, you'll probably be less stressed out!

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