LIFE ORIENTATION

GRADE 12
 Lesson objectives
 By the end of the lesson, learners will be able to:
Understand what stress is.
Identify common causes of stress.
Recognize the symptoms of stress.
Learn strategies to manage and
reduce stress.
 Stress
 What is stress?
• Is a physical and emotional reaction that people experience
as they encounter challenges in life
• Is what we feel in a situations we find difficult.
 What is good stress/eustress and bad stress/distress?
• Good stress that makes you ready for action adrenalin and
energy. (e.g. when you do something that excites you)
• Bad stress refers to stress that has negative effects on a
person's physical, mental, and emotional health. (e.g. lost
of a loved one)
 Why Stress happens:

Stress occurs when there is an

imbalance between the demands
placed on a person and their ability to
cope with those demands.
 Stressors

• Isanything, even or a
person that causes stress.
It is the things that causes
stress
 Type of stressors

1. Physical stressors caused by physical harm, such as violence and

sexual abuse.
 Examples:
 Environmental factors: Extreme temperatures, noise,
pollution, or poor living conditions.
 Physical health problems: Injury, illness, or chronic health
conditions.
 Lack of sleep or poor nutrition: Disruptions in sleep patterns
or unhealthy eating habits can cause stress.
2. Emotional stressors caused by your emotions.

 Examples:
 Relationship issues: Conflicts with family, friends,
or romantic partners.
 Loss:Grief from the death of a loved one, a
breakup, or loss of a job.
 Social pressure: Expectations from others, social
comparisons, or feeling inadequate in social
situations.
 3. Social stressors can be caused by the people around you.
 Family responsibilities: Caring for children, elderly parents,
or managing household duties.

 4. Environmental factors
 Can be caused by extreme temperatures, noise, pollution,
or poor living conditions.
Why is it important to manage
stress
 Managing stress is crucial for maintaining a healthy body and
mind. It helps you stay productive, maintain positive
relationships, and enjoy a higher quality of life
 Some of the factors that can improve when you manage
stress:
 Physical Health
 Mental and Emotional Well-being
 Improves Relationships
 Increased Productivity
 Improved Sleep Quality
 How to prevent stress

 Time management
 Exercise regularly
 Maintain a healthy diet
 Get enough sleep
 Engage in Hobbies and Activities You Enjoy
 Practice Positive Thinking
 Avoid Unnecessary Stressors
 Seek Professional Help When Needed
 Symptoms of stress
Physical symptoms
 Headaches: Stress can cause tension headaches or
migraines.
 Sleep Problems: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or
experiencing poor-quality sleep.
 Sweating: Excessive sweating, even when not exerting
yourself.
 Frequent Illness: Stress weakens the immune system,
making you more susceptible to colds, infections, or other
illnesses.
 Digestive Issues: Stomach problems like indigestion, nausea,
diarrhea, or constipation.
 Emotional Symptoms

 Irritability: Feeling easily frustrated, annoyed, or angry.

 Anxiety: Increased feelings of nervousness, worry, or fear about
situations or future events.
 Mood Swings: Unpredictable emotional changes, from feeling
upbeat to suddenly feeling down or overwhelmed.
 Sadness or Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness,
helplessness, or hopelessness.
 Feeling Over-Emotional: Crying more easily or being more
sensitive to events or situations than usual.
 Cognitive Symptoms
 Trouble Concentrating: Difficulty focusing on tasks, making
decisions, or remembering important details.
 Racing Thoughts: Feeling like your mind is constantly jumping from
one thought to another, making it hard to slow down or relax.
 Negative Thinking: Focusing on worst-case scenarios or being
overly critical of yourself.
 Forgetfulness: Misplacing things, forgetting appointments, or
feeling scattered in your thinking.
 Lack of Motivation: Feeling apathetic, unmotivated, or
disconnected from your usual goals or interests.
 Ways to manage stress

 Meditation
 Physical activity
 Get Enough Sleep
 Eat a Balanced Diet
 Avoid Alcohol, Smoking, and Drugs
 Prioritize Tasks
 Talk to Someone
 Levels of stress

 Low level stress

 Moderate stress
 High stress
 Chronic stress
 Acute stress
 Low Stress (Eustress)

 Description: This is the positive or motivating type of

stress. It occurs when a person feels challenged but in a
manageable way. It's often linked to feelings of excitement,
motivation, and alertness.
 Symptoms: Mild anxiety or nervousness, increased focus,
feeling energized, and having a sense of purpose.
 Example: Meeting a deadline, preparing for a presentation,
or participating in a competition.
 Moderate stress
 Description: At this level, stress can start to feel more
overwhelming, but it's still manageable. The body and
mind begin to show signs of strain, but people can
usually still function effectively with coping
mechanisms in place.
 Symptoms: Increased irritability, sleep disturbances,
mild physical symptoms like tension headaches or
stomach discomfort, and difficulty relaxing.
 Example: Managing multiple responsibilities at once,
dealing with work pressures, or facing challenging
personal situations.
 High stress
 Description: High stress can feel all-encompassing
and is often associated with a sense of pressure or
urgency. People may feel that the demands placed
on them exceed their ability to cope, leading to
emotional and physical strain.
 Symptoms: Anxiety, difficulty concentrating,
exhaustion, significant mood swings, muscle
tension, or stomach issues. Individuals may feel
overwhelmed or helpless.
 Example: A major life change (e.g., divorce, loss of a
loved one), an intense work project, or facing a
crisis situation.
 Chronic stress
 Description: Chronic stress occurs when a person
experiences stress over an extended period, without
sufficient periods of relaxation or recovery. This level of
stress can have serious health consequences, both
mentally and physically.
 Symptoms: Persistent anxiety, depression, fatigue, high
blood pressure, trouble sleeping, digestive issues, and
weakened immune function. It may also lead to burnout or
emotional numbness.
 Example: Ongoing financial troubles, chronic work-related
stress, or long-term caregiving responsibilities.
 Acute stress
 Description: This is a severe level of stress that often
results from a traumatic or crisis event. The body
responds with a "fight or flight" reaction, which can
overwhelm a person and may require professional
intervention.
 Symptoms: Intense emotional or physical reactions, such
as panic attacks, flashbacks, or overwhelming fear. It's
marked by a sense of danger or threat, which may linger
long after the triggering event.
 Example: Being involved in or witnessing a traumatic
event, such as a natural disaster, serious accident, or
violent attack.
THANK YOU,
ANY
QUUESTIONS
 CLASSWORK
1. Define stress (2)
2. How does physical activity help to reduce stress? (2)
3. How can talking to friends, family, or a counselor help reduce stress?
(2)
4. Identify 2 symptoms of stress (2)
5. Name the stress levels (5)
6. What are some common sources of stress for high school students? (2)
7. How does chronic stress differ from acute stress, and what are the
long-term consequences of each? (4)
8. Can stress ever be helpful? (2)
9. In what situations could stress be motivating or beneficial? (1)
10. How do you personally manage stress? (1)
11. Are there specific strategies that help you cope? (1)
12. How can schools and communities support students in reducing and
managing stress? (1)