Session 3 - What is Stress?

ReadRead

What is Stress?

Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous.

In short bursts, stress can be a good thing, such as when it helps you avoid danger or meet a deadline.

Although we can’t avoid stress, we can manage it. When you learn ways to combat stress, you will improve your health and reduce the impact stress has on your life.

WatchWatch

This video explains what stress is and why we need it – Managing Stress – Brainsmart – BBC.

ThinkThink

Take the survey

We may be stressed and not even realise it.

Look at the list on our Stress Survey. These are all signs of stress.

Think about the ones that apply to you, if any.

Are you more stressed than you realised? Or maybe you are cool as a cucumber!

ReflectReflect

Watch this short video which looks at ten ways to deal with stress – Ways to reduce stress.

Think about how you react to stress.

Have you tried any of the ways mentioned in the video, such as keeping a diary, talking to a friend or even switching your phone off and doing something you enjoy.

PracticePractice

Gentle Chair Yoga

Try this 10-minute guided, gentle chair yoga. The instructor will talk you through the relaxing exercise.

It will help to release the stress and tension we hold onto in our bodies without even knowing it, leaving you feeling lovely and relaxed afterwards.

A Smile

By Anonymous

Smiling is infectious

You catch it like the flu,

When someone smiled at me today,

I started smiling too.

I passed around the corner,

And someone saw my grin,

When he smiled I realised,

I’d passed it on to him.

I thought about that smile,

Then realised its worth,

A single smile, just like mine,

Could travel around the earth.

So, if you feel a smile begin,

Don’t leave it undetected.

Let’s start an epidemic quick

And get the world infected.

Smile