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Stress Less, Live More

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Zakiya Moore

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Stress Less, Live More

Students will be able to identify personal stressors and apply at least two coping mechanisms to manage stress effectively.

Learning to manage stress is crucial for 12th graders as they navigate academic pressures, college applications, and future uncertainties. This lesson provides practical tools to maintain well-being and build resilience.

Audience

12th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, self-reflection, and practical strategy application.

Materials

Smartboard or Projector, Markers or Pens, Stress Snapshot Warm-Up, Coping with Stress Discussion Guide, My Stress Action Plan Worksheet, and Exit Ticket: One Breath Away Cool-Down

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review all generated materials: Stress Less, Live More Lesson Plan, Stress Less, Live More Slide Deck, Stress Snapshot Warm-Up, Coping with Stress Discussion Guide, My Stress Action Plan Worksheet, and Exit Ticket: One Breath Away Cool-Down.
  • Ensure projector/smartboard is set up for the Stress Less, Live More Slide Deck.
  • Print copies of Stress Snapshot Warm-Up (one per student).
  • Print copies of My Stress Action Plan Worksheet (one per student).
  • Print copies of Exit Ticket: One Breath Away Cool-Down (one per student).
  • Prepare markers or pens for students to use.

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up: Stress Snapshot

5 minutes

  • Display Stress Less, Live More Slide Deck Slide 1 (Title Slide).
  • Distribute the Stress Snapshot Warm-Up worksheet.
  • Instruct students to complete the warm-up individually, reflecting on what stress feels like and looks like for them.
  • Briefly discuss a few anonymous responses (if students are comfortable sharing) to set the stage for the lesson.
  • Transition to Stress Less, Live More Slide Deck Slide 2 (What is Stress?).

Step 2

Understanding Stress & Discussion

10 minutes

  • Use Stress Less, Live More Slide Deck Slides 2-4 to define stress, identify common stressors for 12th graders, and introduce the concept of healthy vs. unhealthy coping.
  • Facilitate a class discussion using the Coping with Stress Discussion Guide.
  • Encourage students to share their experiences and initial thoughts on coping mechanisms.
  • Transition to Stress Less, Live More Slide Deck Slide 5 (Coping Strategies).
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Slide Deck

Stress Less, Live More

Understanding and Managing Stress
For 12th Grade Students

Stress Snapshot Warm-Up

Welcome students. Briefly introduce the topic of stress and its relevance to their lives as 12th graders. Ask them to think about what 'stress' means to them.

What is Stress?

Stress is your body's natural reaction to a challenge or demand.

It's how your body tells you it's time to act!

It can be:

  • Physical: like a tough workout or not enough sleep.
  • Mental: like a big test or a difficult decision.
  • Emotional: like conflicts with friends or family.

Define stress as the body's reaction to pressure. Explain that it's a normal part of life, but too much can be harmful. Ask students for quick examples of what causes them stress.

What Stresses YOU Out?

As 12th graders, you face unique pressures:

  • Academics: Homework, exams, college applications.
  • Future Plans: College, career, living independently.
  • Social Life: Friendships, relationships, peer pressure.
  • Family: Expectations, responsibilities.
  • Personal: Self-esteem, identity, major life changes.

What other things contribute to your stress? Let's discuss.

Discuss common stressors for 12th graders. Encourage a brief, open discussion. Reassure them that many peers share similar experiences. Refer to the warm-up activity and connect their personal experiences to these common stressors. Transition into a brief discussion using the Coping with Stress Discussion Guide.

Coping Strategies: Healthy vs. Unhealthy

When you feel stressed, how do you usually react?

Healthy Coping Strategies help you deal with stress in a positive way, leading to long-term well-being:

  • Exercise
  • Mindfulness/Meditation
  • Talking to someone
  • Hobbies
  • Time management

Unhealthy Coping Strategies might offer temporary relief but can cause more problems in the long run:

  • Avoiding problems
  • Excessive screen time
  • Unhealthy eating habits
  • Isolating yourself
  • Substance use

Introduce the idea of coping mechanisms. Distinguish between healthy and unhealthy coping strategies, emphasizing that the goal is to reduce negative impacts and promote well-being.

Your Stress Toolkit: Practical Strategies

Here are some tools you can use:

  • Mindfulness & Breathing: Try the '4-7-8' breathing technique. (Breathe in for 4, hold for 7, breathe out for 8).
  • Physical Activity: Go for a walk, stretch, or do some light exercise.
  • Connect with Others: Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor.
  • Time Management: Break down big tasks, prioritize, and avoid procrastination.
  • Healthy Habits: Ensure you're getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, and staying hydrated.
  • Hobbies & Interests: Engage in activities you enjoy to relax and recharge.

Which of these could you try this week?

Introduce a variety of concrete, actionable coping strategies. Ask students to consider which ones they already use or would be willing to try. Emphasize that different strategies work for different people. Introduce the My Stress Action Plan Worksheet.

Create Your Stress Action Plan

It's time to put your learning into action!

Think about:

  1. Your Top Stressors: What are the main things causing you stress right now?
  2. Healthy Coping: Which strategies resonate with you?
  3. Specific Steps: How will you implement these strategies?

Use your My Stress Action Plan Worksheet to create a personal, actionable plan.

Explain the purpose of the action plan. Give students time to work on their individual plans. Circulate and offer support or ideas. Reinforce that these are personal plans designed to empower them.

You've Got This!

Remember, managing stress is a skill that gets better with practice.

  • Be kind to yourself.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help.
  • Your well-being matters!

Complete your Exit Ticket: One Breath Away Cool-Down before you leave.

Conclude the lesson by reinforcing the importance of stress management. Distribute the Exit Ticket: One Breath Away Cool-Down and explain that it's a quick reflection to help them consolidate their learning. Thank them for their participation.

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Warm Up

Stress Snapshot Warm-Up

Take a few moments to quietly reflect on your personal experiences with stress. There are no right or wrong answers, just your honest thoughts.

  1. What does "stress" feel like in your body? (e.g., tense shoulders, racing heart, tired eyes)





  2. What does "stress" look like in your actions? (e.g., snapping at friends, procrastinating, restless sleep)





  3. What is one thing that has caused you stress recently?





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Discussion

Coping with Stress Discussion Guide

Use these questions to facilitate a class discussion after introducing the concept of stress and common stressors.

  1. What are some common ways people try to cope with stress? (Brainstorm both positive and negative examples).


  2. Can anyone share a time when a coping strategy didn't work well for them? What happened?


  3. What's the difference between "getting rid of" stress and "managing" stress? Is one more realistic?


  4. Why do you think it's important to develop healthy coping mechanisms now, especially as 12th graders?


  5. What are some barriers that might prevent people from using healthy coping strategies (e.g., lack of time, not knowing where to start, feeling embarrassed)?


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Worksheet

My Stress Action Plan

It's time to create your personal plan for managing stress effectively. This is for you, by you!

Part 1: My Top 3 Stressors

What are the main things causing you stress right now? Be specific.










Part 2: Healthy Coping Strategies I'll Try

From our discussion, the slide deck, or your own ideas, list 2-3 healthy ways you can cope with stress. Think about strategies that are realistic for you to implement.

  1. Strategy:
    How I'll use it:


  2. Strategy:
    How I'll use it:


  3. Strategy:
    How I'll use it:


Part 3: Support System

Who are 1-2 people you can talk to when you're feeling stressed? (e.g., friend, family member, teacher, counselor)







Part 4: My Next Step

What is ONE specific, small step you will take this week to put your stress action plan into practice?







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Cool Down

Exit Ticket: One Breath Away

Before you leave, please take a moment to reflect on today's lesson.

  1. What is one new healthy coping strategy you learned or re-learned today?


  2. How might you apply this strategy when you feel overwhelmed?


  3. On a scale of 1-5 (1 = not at all, 5 = very much), how confident are you that you can use a healthy coping strategy this week?

    • 1 (Not at all confident)
    • 2 (A little confident)
    • 3 (Moderately confident)
    • 4 (Confident)
    • 5 (Very confident)



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