How can we cope with stress in our everyday lives?
Using the "Stressors and Responses" worksheet, identify both positive and negative ways to cope with stress.
You’ve learned that people can’t always prevent or predict stress. But you can manage your life to reduce the number of stressors you encounter. You can also develop skills to cope with stressors to reduce the likelihood of developing stress related disease or disorders.
Share answers from do now activity.
Class notes: Positive and negative ways to cope with stress
Positive: make a list and plan ahead, be by myself and think, talk with a friend, ask for help, stay organized, talk about how I feel, keep a schedule, listen to music, exercise, etc.
Negative: swear, yell, fight, break things, avoid the situation, internalize it, use drugs including alcohol, self-harm, suicide, overeating or over exercising, acting out violently.
Sometimes people choose unhealthy ways to cope with stressors.
Who can you turn to when you are stressed? (think about the individuals you are closest with).
Another way to deal with stress is to learn to relax.
There are many stress management techniques that help the nervous system restore homeostasis and clear your mind so you can handle stress more effectively.
View video clip: http://health.discovery.com/beyond
Group Activity: Stress-management skills
Have students read the "Stress Management Skills" worksheet aloud.
Class notes: Stress Management Techniques
Deep Breathing Exercises/Meditation
Progressive Relaxation
Physical Activity
Also...
Time Management
Nutrition
Sleep
Problem Solving
Take Control
Selective Awareness
Humor
Visual Imagery
Article: http://health.howstuffworks.com/how-to-relieve-stress-in-daily-life1.htm
Each group will be assigned a stress management technique to research from the following:
Deep Breathing/Meditation
Progressive Relaxation
Exercise
Answer the following questions-
1) How does this technique help relieve stress?
2) How/when could you fit this technique into daily life?
3) What are the benefits of regularily using this technique?
Be prepared to share your answers to the class for credit.
Are you familiar with any of these relaxation techniques?
Review each technique, practice when appropriate.
For good physical and emotional health it is important to identify stressors, manage stress appropriately and incorporate coping skills into your daily routine.