Script: Stress Less, Thrive More?

Introduction & Warm-Up (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Or good afternoon, depending on when you're watching this. Today, we're going to dive into a topic that affects all of us, especially in college: stress. College is an exciting time, full of new experiences, but let's be honest, it can also be incredibly demanding. Before we get started, I want you to take a small piece of paper – I'll hand them out now – and anonymously write down one thing that is currently causing you stress. No names, no judgment, just one thing. It could be academic, social, personal, anything at all."

(Hand out small slips of paper. Collect them once students are done.)

Teacher: "Thank you. I'm just going to read a few of these aloud to give us a sense of what's on our collective minds... (Read 2-3 anonymous examples from the papers, e.g., 'Upcoming midterms,' 'Finding an internship,' 'Balancing work and classes.') ...As you can hear, these are all very real and very common pressures. It shows that you're not alone in feeling this way. Today, we're going to explore what stress is, how it impacts us, and most importantly, practical ways to manage it and thrive during your college journey."

Understanding Stress & Its Impact (10 minutes)

Teacher: "So, what exactly is stress? (Advance to Slide Deck: Stress Less, Thrive More? - Slide 2). At its core, stress is your body's natural response to any demand or threat. It's not always a bad thing! Think about 'acute stress' – that short burst of energy or focus you get before a big presentation or a test. It can actually help you perform. But then there's 'chronic stress,' which is the constant, long-term pressure many of us feel. This is the type that can really start to wear you down. What are some specific stressors you've noticed in your own college experience that go beyond that helpful, short-term push?"

(Pause for student responses, facilitate a brief discussion. Acknowledge and validate their experiences.)

Teacher: "Exactly. Those deadlines, social pressures, financial worries – they can all add up. And when stress sticks around, it doesn't just stay in your head. (Advance to Slide Deck: Stress Less, Thrive More? - Slide 3). It impacts your whole self: physically, emotionally, mentally, and even how you behave. Has anyone noticed how stress affects their sleep, or their ability to focus, or even just their mood with friends and family?"

(Allow for a few student shares, connecting their experiences to the points on the slide.)

Teacher: "It's important to recognize these signs in ourselves because that's the first step to doing something about it. Which brings us to our next point: what can we do?"

Building Your Stress Toolkit (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Think of stress management like building a toolkit. Just as a carpenter needs different tools for different jobs, you need a variety of strategies to manage the different types of stress in your life. (Advance to Slide Deck: Stress Less, Thrive More? - Slide 4). These are all healthy ways to cope and build resilience. I'm going to hand out a worksheet now, called Worksheet: My Stress Toolkit."

*(Distribute Worksheet: My Stress Toolkit.)

Teacher: "On this worksheet, I want you to brainstorm and list some personal stress management techniques. Maybe it's something you already do, or something you've heard about and want to try. Think about things like exercise, mindfulness, better time management, connecting with friends, or engaging in hobbies. Let's take a few minutes to fill this out. *

(Allow 3-4 minutes for students to work on the worksheet. Circulate and offer guidance.)

Teacher: "Alright, let's share a few! What are some tools you've put in your toolkit, or ideas you're excited to try?"

(Facilitate a brief share-out, encouraging a variety of ideas.)

Teacher: "These are fantastic ideas, and having a diverse toolkit is key! Now, I want to talk about one powerful tool that sometimes gets overlooked, or misunderstood, and that's counseling. (Advance to Slide Deck: Stress Less, Thrive More? - Slide 6). Counseling is a confidential space where you can talk about challenges, develop coping strategies, improve communication, and really understand yourself better. It's not just for when things feel overwhelming; it's a proactive step for your overall well-being and personal growth. Think of it like going to the gym for your mental health."

Wrap-Up & Resources (5 minutes)

Teacher: "As we wrap up, I want to emphasize that taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. It's a sign of strength to recognize when you need support and to seek it out."

Teacher: "For homework, or even just a quick reflection after class, I encourage you to use the Journal: Reflecting on Stress & Support. It has some prompts to help you think more deeply about today's topic and your own well-being."

Teacher: "Finally, you are not alone in this journey. Your campus offers incredible resources designed to support you. (Advance to Slide Deck: Stress Less, Thrive More? - Slide 7). Please take note of these. I've included placeholders for specific campus resources like counseling services, wellness centers, and student health. I urge you to look into what's available here at [Your University/College Name]. Don't hesitate to reach out if you're struggling, or even if you just want to proactively work on your well-being. Prioritize yourselves, and remember, you have the power to stress less and thrive more! Thank you."

My Stress Toolkit: Strategies for Well-being

College life can be amazing, but it also comes with its fair share of pressures. Just like a good carpenter has a variety of tools, you need a personal toolkit of strategies to manage stress and keep yourself healthy. Use this worksheet to brainstorm and plan your own stress management techniques.

Part 1: Identifying Your Current Tools

What are some things you already do (or have tried) to manage stress? List as many as you can, even if they don't always work perfectly.

Part 2: Expanding Your Toolkit

Look at the categories below. What are new strategies you could try, or existing ones you could strengthen? Be specific!

Physical Activity

(e.g., walking, gym, sports, dancing)

Mindfulness & Relaxation

(e.g., deep breathing, meditation, mindful eating, progressive muscle relaxation)

Time Management & Organization

(e.g., planning, prioritizing tasks, breaking down big projects, setting boundaries)

Social Connection

(e.g., talking to friends, family, professors, mentors, joining a club)

Healthy Habits

(e.g., balanced diet, consistent sleep schedule, staying hydrated)

Creative Expression & Hobbies

(e.g., art, music, writing, crafting, playing an instrument)

Professional Support

(e.g., academic advising, career services, counseling services)

Part 3: My Top 3 New Tools to Try

From your expanded toolkit, choose 3 new or strengthened strategies you commit to trying or practicing more regularly this week.

Journal: Reflecting on Stress & Support

Take some time to reflect on today's lesson about stress and well-being. Your honest thoughts and feelings are valuable.

Prompt 1: My Stress Landscape

Consider the anonymous stress activity from class. What are your personal top 2-3 stressors right now? How do these stressors typically make you feel (physically, emotionally, mentally)?

Prompt 2: Exploring My Toolkit

Thinking about the 'Stress Toolkit' we discussed, which strategies do you already use effectively? Are there any new tools you learned about today that you are genuinely interested in trying? Why those specific ones?

Prompt 3: Understanding Counseling

Before today, what were your thoughts or perceptions about counseling? Has anything from today's lesson changed or reinforced those perceptions? In what situations do you think counseling could be a beneficial resource for you or someone you know?

Prompt 4: Taking Action

What is one small, actionable step you can take this week to better manage stress or support your well-being? This could be trying a new coping mechanism, reaching out to a friend, or looking up campus resources. Be specific!