Mindful Moments: Stress Management

Bridget Yurgel

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Mindful Moments: Stress Management

Teach stress management techniques

This lesson introduces high school students to mindfulness and meditation techniques for managing stress. Students will learn to identify their stressors and practice breathing exercises to improve their mental well-being. This lesson is important as it equips students with practical tools to handle stress, enhancing their emotional resilience and overall mental health.

Audience

High School Students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Teach stress management techniques

Materials

Discussion Guide, Worksheet on Identifying Stressors, Handout on Breathing Exercises, Pens, and Paper

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what stress is and how it affects us.
Ask students to share any stressors they are comfortable discussing.

Step 2

Mindfulness and Meditation Overview

10 mins

Explain the concepts of mindfulness and meditation.
Discuss the benefits of these practices in managing stress.

Step 3

Identifying Stressors

10 mins

Distribute the worksheet on identifying stressors.
Guide students to reflect on and write down their personal stressors.

Step 4

Breathing Exercises

10 mins

Hand out the breathing exercises guide.
Lead the class through a series of simple breathing exercises.
Encourage students to notice how their body feels before and after the exercises.

Step 5

Discussion and Reflection

5 mins

Use the discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about the experience.
Ask students how they felt during the exercises and if they noticed any changes.

Step 6

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points of the lesson.
Encourage students to practice these techniques regularly.
Answer any remaining questions.

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Discussion

Discussion Guide

Facilitate a conversation about stress and mindfulness.

What are some common stressors you experience?

Encourage students to think about both school-related and personal stressors.

How did the breathing exercises make you feel?

Guide students to reflect on any physical or emotional changes they noticed.

How can mindfulness help in managing stress?

Discuss the benefits of being present and aware in reducing stress.

Worksheet

Worksheet on Identifying Stressors

Helps students identify and reflect on their personal stressors.

List three stressors you experience regularly.

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

How do these stressors affect your mood and behavior?

Consider both immediate and long-term effects.

Reading

Handout on Breathing Exercises

Provides instructions for simple breathing exercises to manage stress.

Breathing Exercises

Deep Breathing: Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat 5 times.
Box Breathing: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts, and hold for 4 counts. Repeat 4 times.
4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7 counts, and exhale for 8 counts. Repeat 3 times.