Let’s talk about stress

Introduction

Welcome!

Today we will be learning about what stress is, what it looks like, different types of stress, common causes of stress, and ways to manage stress!

It is important to learn about stress because everyone feels it at some point, and if you do not manage it, it could lead to health problems.

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Learning Outcomes

1. Define/describe what stress is.
2. Be able to recognize and label physical signs of stress you may notice in yourself, or others.
3. Be able to recognize and label some cognitive signs of stress.
4. Outline the difference between eustress and distress.
5. Relate each type of stress—eustress and distress—to situations or contexts where it might arise.
6. Define common causes of stress, and explain in what situations stress is normal/expected.
7. Ability to distinguish and apply various coping techniques (physical, mental, social) depending on the context.

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Let’s Get Started!

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Module 1.

What is Stress?

Learning Outcome: Define/describe what stress is

Stress is the feeling you get when you are evaluating and responding to an event or situation that makes you feel overwhelmed by worry or pressure

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Who does stress affect?

Everyone!

No matter your age, income, race, and more

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Although we all experience stress,

it is different for everyone!

Some may feel tired

Some may feel nervous

Some may feel sad

… This means everyone experiences stress differently

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True or False Class Activity

For this activity, answer the following true or false questions.

If your answer is “TRUE,” raise your hand!

If your answer is “FALSE,” leave your hand down!

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Module 2.

How to Recognize Stress

Learning Outcomes:

1. Be able to recognize and label physical signs of stress you may notice in yourself, or others.
2. Be able to recognize and label some cognitive signs of stress.

Physical signs of stress

Sweating or chills

Crying

Bad temper

Face blushing or Skin rash

Vomiting/stomach ache

Muscle stiffness

Increased heart rate

Hungry

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Cognitive signs of stress

Feeling: afraid, weird, weak, worried, tired, sad, embarrassed, and/or mad

Headache

Easily agitated

Unable to think clearly

Thinking about death

Desire to hit someone

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Module 3.

Major Types of Stress

Learning Outcomes:

1. Outline the difference between eustress and distress.
2. Relate each type of stress — eustress and distress — to situations or contexts where it might arise.

Eustress Vs. Distress

Definitions

EUSTRESS

• A positive response that one has to something stressful
• Positive stress

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DISTRESS

• A negative state where a person is unable to adapt completely to a stressful situation
• Negative stress

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Eustress Vs. Distress

How it Makes You Feel

EUSTRESS

• Motivated
• Focused
• Energetic
• Excited

DISTRESS

• Scared
• Worried
• Concerned
• Unpleasant

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Eustress Vs. Distress

Examples

EUSTRESS

• Engaging in a challenge
• Competing in a tournament or playing sports
• Moving
• Learning new things

DISTRESS

• When you feel you do not have control
• School work
• Peers or family conflict
• The death of a loved one

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Activity - Compare and Contrast Chart

After listening to this lesson and watching the video, compare and contrast eustress vs. distress in your own words. Use examples.

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You will need a paper and a pencil.

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Use a T-chart.

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Module 4.

Common Causes of Stress

Learning Outcome: Define common causes of stress, and explain in what situations stress is normal/expected

Common Causes of Stress

School Stress:

• Homework
• Tests
• Big presentations
• Gym class

Home Stress:

• Parents splitting
• Busy/loud house
• Not enough support
• Pressure to do well

Social Stress:

• Making friends
• Being bullied
• Peer pressure
• Talking in front of the class

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Class Discussion: What causes your stress?

Everyone stands in a circle and someone

raises their hand and says

something that has made them stressed.

Then, we go around the circle and 3 people say why it might have been stressful.

Repeat until we have made it around the circle.

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Module 5.

Different Ways to Manage Stress

Learning Outcome: Ability to distinguish and apply various coping techniques (physical, mental, social) depending on the context.

Physically

Mentally

Socially

• Healthy Nutrition
• Exercise

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• Breathing Techniques
• Meditation

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• Talk to a friend
• Talk to an adult

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Activity: Think, Pair, Share

Prompt: Provide an example of how you have managed stress physically, mentally, and socially.

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�The End!

Thanks for participating :)

Let’s test your learning and play Kahoot!