OURSELVES FUTURE LIFE PLANNING STRESS

STRESS COPING
STRATEGIES
CLASS 12 LIFE
SKILLS
Stress and Coping Skills
 OURSELVES FUTURE LIFE PLANNING STRESS

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO EXPLORE?

● Stress in life
● Why it's important to talk about stress
● Challenges we face in day to day life
● Coping strategies
OURSELVES FUTURE LIFE PLANNING STRESS

WHAT IS STRESS?
Stress is the body's way of reacting to any kind of demand or pressure.

It can arise from various sources, such as work, school, relationships, or

major life changes, and it can affect individuals differently based on their
perceptions and coping mechanisms.

While some level of stress is normal and can even be motivating, excessive or
chronic stress can have negative effects on both physical and mental health
if not effectively managed.
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STRESS IN LIFE
"Life is 10% what happens to us
and 90% how we react to it."

- Charles R. Swindoll
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Stress in life
Stress can arise from various sources

Different people may find different situations stressful.

Each one of us must be struggling somewhere in life.

Even small things in day to day life can make us feel stressed at time, what’s
important is that we recognise it and take a step to reduce it.
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Why it's important to talk

about stress
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Importance to talk about it

For many people, the only acceptable answer to the question “How are you?” is “I’m fine!”—even if they’re completely stressed and
overwhelmed. And the thought of a more honest response—like, “actually, I’m dealing with a lot of stress right now and I could use some
support” can feel too scary and vulnerable.

Everyone, no matter how “together” they seem, deals with periods of intense stress. But for whatever reason, so many people think they
need to keep their stress to themselves—which is not only unhealthy, but unsustainable. You can’t navigate stressful situations and get
to the other side if you don’t acknowledge your stress—or, in other words, if you want to deal with your stress, you need to talk about it.

You might think that not talking about or acknowledging stress will make it go away. But, as it turns out, the opposite is true—and
holding stress in can not only exacerbate stressful feelings, but can also have a negative impact on your health. “Our bodies continue to
hold on to the feelings and emotions we don’t release”.

For example, when you’re dealing with prolonged stress, it can put your body into a chronic state of fight, fright, or freeze—which can
hinder your ability to focus and get things done. “Keeping our fight/flight/freeze constantly activated and engaged is similar to having a
constant alarm going off in your house; leaving us always on edge, in fear and worry, and unable to think clearly or logically to
successfully complete day-to-day tasks and responsibilities.”
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Importance to talk about it

Being unwilling or unable to talk about stress honestly can also isolate
you from the people around you—and prevent you from getting the
support you need to manage your feelings of overwhelm and get to a
better, healthier, and less stressful place. “If we don’t let people know
how we’re truly feeling then we aren’t able to get the support or help
that we may need.”
 Importance to talk about it
● Talking about stress can help you get support.

● Talking about stress can strengthen your relationships.

● Talking about stress can validate your experience—and validate the

experience of others.

● Talking about stress can help you work through your stress—and make the
changes you need to live a less stressful life.
OURSELVES FUTURE LIFE PLANNING STRESS

What things make you

feel stressed?
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Challenges we
face in day to day
life
OURSELVES FUTURE LIFE PLANNING STRESS

Academic Stress:
● Exams, assignments, and academic performance pressure
● Fear of failure or not meeting expectations
● Balancing multiple courses or extracurricular activities

Relationships and Social Stress:

● Relationship conflicts (family, friends, romantic partners)
● Loneliness or lack of social support
● Peer pressure and fitting in
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Financial Stress:
● Financial instability or debt
● Struggling to make ends meet or meet financial goals
● Unexpected expenses or emergencies

Health and Medical Stress:

● Chronic illnesses or medical conditions
● Health concerns for oneself or loved ones
● Medical treatments or procedures
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Life Changes and Transitions:

● Moving, changing schools, or changing jobs
● Bereavement or loss of a loved one

Time Management and Overcommitment:

● Juggling multiple responsibilities and commitments
● Feeling overwhelmed by a lack of time
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Personal Expectations and Self-Pressure:

● Setting unrealistic goals or perfectionistic tendencies
● Putting excessive pressure on oneself to succeed

Uncertainty and Unpredictability:

● Fear of the unknown or uncertainty about the future
● Feeling out of control in unpredictable situations

Traumatic Events:
● Experiencing or witnessing traumatic events
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It's important to note that stress is subjective.What may be stressful for one

person might not be as stressful for another.

Some level of stress is normal and can even be motivating. Excessive stress

can have negative effects on physical and mental well-being.

OURSELVES FUTURE LIFE PLANNING STRESS

Coping
strategies
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Here are some real and

effective coping strategies for
managing stress:
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COPING STRATEGIES
Deep Breathing: Practice deep, slow breathing to activate the body's relaxation response and calm
the nervous system.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Engage in mindfulness exercises or meditation to stay present and
reduce anxiety.

Physical Activity: Regular exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Activities like
walking, jogging, or yoga can be helpful.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and relax different muscle groups to alleviate physical tension
caused by stress.

Journaling: Write about your thoughts, feelings, and stressors to gain clarity and reduce emotional
turmoil.
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COPING STRATEGIES
Healthy Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support both physical and mental
well-being.

Adequate Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep to allow your body and mind to rejuvenate.

Social Support: Spend time with friends, family, or supportive individuals to share feelings and
receive emotional support.

Time Management: Organize your tasks and responsibilities to reduce feelings of overwhelm and
promote a sense of control.

Limit Technology: Set boundaries for screen time to prevent information overload and foster
relaxation.
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COPING STRATEGIES
Creative Outlets: Engage in creative activities like drawing, painting, writing, or playing a musical
instrument.

Humor: Find humor in everyday situations or watch something that makes you laugh to relieve tension.

Nature and Fresh Air: Spend time outdoors, connecting with nature and benefiting from fresh air and
sunlight.

Listening to Music: Listen to calming or uplifting music to positively affect your mood.

Hobbies: Engage in activities you enjoy, whether it's reading, gardening, cooking, or crafting.
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COPING STRATEGIES

Support Groups: Joining support groups can provide a sense of belonging and shared experiences.

Relaxation Techniques: Try techniques like warm baths, or progressive relaxation to unwind.

Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Reduce consumption of stimulants and depressants, as they can exacerbate
stress.

Practice Gratitude: Focus on the positives in your life and maintain a gratitude journal.

Setting Boundaries: Learn to say no and establish healthy boundaries to avoid overcommitting.
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REMEMBER!
Everyone is unique, so some strategies may work better for you

than others. It's important to experiment and find a

combination of coping strategies that suit your individual

preferences and needs.

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"Hard times may have held you down, but

they will not last forever. When all is said
and done, you will be increased."

- Joel Osteen
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HOME BACKGROUNDS
FUTURE AVATAR
LIFEKIT PLANNERS
PLANNING HOMEWORK
STRESS

THANK YOU