1. Managing Stress

2. Explain Not all stress can be prevented, so we need to learn techniques to manage stressful situations.

3. Complete Turn to “My Top 10 Stressors”. Complete “Part 1” by circling your top 10 stressors. We will complete part 2 later.

4. Explain Now that you’ve identified your biggest stressors, let’s practice some techniques to help you manage stress. Not all of these techniques will work for every person. As we practice them, you can decide which ones work best for you. Then you can use them the next time you are feeling stressed.

5. Complete Turn to “Dealing with Stress”. You will complete the appropriate section AFTER each stress management technique is practiced.

6. #1 Deep Breathing The first stress management technique we’ll try is deep breathing. Follow along with me. Take a deep breath through your nose, hold it for 3 seconds and then exhale through your mouth. Practice this technique.

7. Complete Complete the Deep Breathing section of the “Dealing with Stress” activity sheet.

8. #2 Progressive Muscle Relaxation The next stress management technique we’ll try is progressive muscle relaxation. Follow my directions.

9. Complete Complete the progressive muscle relaxation section of the “Dealing with Stress” activity sheet.

10. #3 Guided Imagery The next stress management technique is guided imagery. I’ll read something to you. As I’m reading, imagine yourself doing what I read.

11. Complete Complete the guided imagery section of the “Dealing with Stress” activity sheet.

12. Explain Other stress-management techniques include regular exercise, eating a balanced diet and talking to people about what is causing you stress. We won’t practice these techniques, but think about your exercise, diet and the people you could talk to when you are stressed.

13. Complete Complete the talking to someone section of the “Dealing with Stress” activity sheet.

14. Survey Which stress management technique worked best for you? Why?

15. Complete Go back to your “My Top 10 Stressors” page. Now that you’ve practiced some stress- management techniques and identified some ways to prevent stress, complete part 2.