Understanding Stress: The Brain's Alarm System
Understand stress and its effects on the brain
In this lesson, students will explore the concept of stress, understand the amygdala's role in the stress response, and learn coping mechanisms to manage stress effectively. The lesson aims to equip students with knowledge to better understand their stress responses and practical strategies to cope with stress.
Understand stress and its effects on the brain
Video: What is Stress? - Link, Discussion Questions, and Worksheet on Stress and Coping Mechanisms
- Begin by asking students if they have ever felt stressed and what causes stress for them.
- Explain the objective of the lesson: to understand what stress is, how it affects the brain, and ways to manage it.
Step 2
Video Viewing
5 mins
- Show the video 'What is Stress?' (1 min 43 secs).
- Ask students to pay attention to how stress is described and the examples given.
- After the video, facilitate a discussion using the provided discussion questions (see attachment).
- Focus on the role of the amygdala in the stress response and how students can relate their experiences of stress to the points in the video.
Step 4
Activity: Identifying Stressors and Responses
15 mins
- Hand out the worksheet (see attachment) for students to identify their own stressors and responses.
- Guide students to fill out the worksheet, and then discuss their responses in small groups.
Step 5
Activity: Coping Mechanisms
7 mins
- Explain different coping mechanisms to manage stress (breathing exercises, physical activity, talking to someone, etc.).
- Have students write down and share which coping mechanisms they think will work best for them.
- Summarize the key points from the lesson: understanding stress, recognizing the amygdala's role, and identifying coping mechanisms.
- Encourage students to practice the coping mechanisms discussed and remind them it's okay to seek help if needed.
