Anxiety 101: Understanding and Managing Stress

Emma Gebhard

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

Anxiety 101: Understanding and Managing Stress

Understand and manage anxiety

This one-on-one session introduces a student to the concept of anxiety, its effects on the body, and common stressors. The student will engage in a personalized discussion and activities to identify personal stressors and practice strategies to manage anxiety. This session is important as it equips the student with essential skills to handle stress, promoting mental well-being and resilience.

Audience

Individual Student

Time

50 mins

Approach

Understand and manage anxiety

Materials

Whiteboard and markers, Printed discussion questions, Printed worksheet, Pen or pencil, and Stress-relief tools (e.g., stress ball, fidget spinner)

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Begin with a brief overview of what anxiety is and how it affects the body.
Ask the student to share any experiences they have with feeling anxious.
Explain the importance of understanding and managing anxiety.

Step 2

Discussion on Common Stressors

10 mins

Use the printed discussion questions to guide a conversation about common stressors the student faces.
Encourage the student to share their thoughts and reflect on their experiences.

Step 3

Exploring Stress-Relief Tools

10 mins

Introduce various stress-relief tools such as stress balls, fidget spinners, or calming apps.
Allow the student to try out each tool and discuss how they feel using them.
Encourage the student to consider which tools might be helpful in their daily life.

Step 4

Anxiety Management Strategies

10 mins

Introduce additional strategies to manage anxiety, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and time management.
Demonstrate a simple breathing exercise and practice it together.
Discuss how these strategies can be applied in the student's everyday situations.

Step 5

Worksheet Activity

5 mins

Provide the worksheet to the student.
Instruct the student to complete the worksheet, reflecting on their personal stressors and strategies they can use.

Step 6

Closure

5 mins

Recap the key points discussed in the session.
Encourage the student to apply the strategies learned in their daily life.
Answer any remaining questions from the student.

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Discussion

Discussion Questions on Anxiety

A set of questions to guide a personalized discussion on common stressors and anxiety.

What are some common stressors you experience in your daily life?

Encourage the student to think about school, social, and personal stressors.

How do you usually react when you feel anxious?

Guide the student to reflect on their physical and emotional responses.

What strategies have you tried to manage anxiety? Were they effective?

Discuss different strategies and their effectiveness.

Worksheet

Anxiety Management Worksheet

A worksheet for the student to identify personal stressors and plan strategies to manage anxiety.

List three common stressors you face regularly.

Think about situations at school, home, or with friends.

Describe how you feel physically and emotionally when you are anxious.

Consider symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, or feeling overwhelmed.

Choose one anxiety management strategy you learned today and explain how you will apply it.

Consider strategies like deep breathing or mindfulness.