Worksite Wellness Lesson Plan Managing Stress Worksite Wellness Lesson Plan

Brainstorm “Stressors” (Video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZZlIKXcolo Brainstorm “Stressors” Stressor - an activity, event, or other stimulus that causes stress. (Webster's Dictionary) Instructor will make a “T” chart on the board and on the left side write “Stressors”, the right side, “Ways to Manage”. Start on the left side and have participants indicate various stressors in their life.

4 Types of Stress Time Stress Anticipatory Stress Situational Stress Encounter Stress Describe the four types of stress using the information sheet provided.

Balancing Life – Wheel Activity Brainstorm Life Areas Write These Down on the - one on each spoke of the life wheel Assess Each Area Join Up the Marks - Now join up the marks around the circle. Does your life wheel look and feel balanced? Think About Your Ideal Level Take Action Hand out the Wheel sheet to each participant and describe how to complete.

Managing Stress Change – Brainstorm ways to change Accept – How do you make it easier to accept? Remove – Healthy ways to remove Brainstorm ways to manage stress (right side of “T-Chart”) on white board Discuss ways cope with stress.

Overcoming Barriers Identify 1-2 barriers for stress relief in your life. List 3 ways to overcome these barriers Discuss in small groups (2-3 people) Have participants identify one barrier to stress relief in their lives and brainstorm 3 ways to overcome this. They can discuss this in groups of 2-3 people.

Commitment Complete pledge indicating three healthy ways you will CHOOSE to manage stress. Place this near your desk as a reminder. Have participants complete pledge sheet that will indicate three ways they will choose to cope with stress in a healthy way.

Policy How would you like your work environment to help with stress reduction? How would you like your co-workers to help with stress management? How would you like to support your supervisors and co-workers in reducing and managing stress?