Stress Management

This series of lesson plans is designed to present endeavors and relationships that enrich emotional health and well-being, equipping your student, client, or consumer to manage work-related stress before it feels overwhelming. The process begins with a look at work-related stressors and the body’s natural responses to stress. Means to cope with stress are offered: exercise, involvement in group fitness activities or a team sport, a balance of down- and social time, solid friendships, and volunteering.

student in front of computer chewing on pencil stressed looking at laptop screen

Lesson 1: Stress

Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: To consider work-related stressors and the body’s responses to stress. Materials needed: Internet access, Word document Introduction “How do you feel before an important school test? If you’re anything like me, you feel […]

Lesson 2: Exercise

Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: To learn the stress-managing benefit of exercise and explore types of exercise. Materials needed: Internet access, exercise clothing, tennis shoes, music Introduction “We have been talking about work-related stress. We discovered reasons for […]

Individuals wearing team jerseys embrace in a team huddle

Lesson 3: Group Fitness / Team Sports

Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: To learn the stress-managing benefit of social exercise and explore opportunities to participate. Materials needed: Internet access, planner, group exercise class, exercise clothing, tennis shoes Introduction “Last session, we talked about exercise to […]

Lesson 4: Independent Leisure Activities

Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: To learn and practice independent leisure activities in order to reduce stress levels. Materials needed: Internet access, materials specific to student’s leisure interests Introduction “Suppose you have an hour at home before you […]

Group of individuals talking and laughing

Lesson 5: Social Activities

Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: To examine social needs and determine enjoyable group activities. Materials needed: Internet access Introduction “Our current unit topic is learning to manage stress levels. We’ve discussed spending time alone on personal interests and […]

Two individuals laughing and snacking on a couch

Lesson 6: Friendship

Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: To learn appropriate social skills for maintaining a friendship. Materials needed: Accessible board game Introduction “Last time we met, we learned about group recreational activities. Today we are going to look at proper […]

Two individuals packing brown paper bags with groceries

Lesson 7: Volunteering

Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: To learn the importance of volunteering and helping others to take the focus off of herself. Materials needed: Internet access, Word document, telephone Introduction “Last time we met we discussed friendship as a […]

A happy emoji, straight-faced emoji, and frowning emoji with a check mark next to the happy emoji

Lesson 8: Review

Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: To review the principles learned in this unit by examining case studies and determining proper courses of action. Materials needed: None Introduction “You have learned the effects of stress on your body and […]