New!--Stress Busters Site-Brought to you by Ms. Nirode :)
Fight or Flight
Here you will find articles and video clips about the fight or flight response.
How Stuff Works Article:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/fear2.htm
Guy who almost gets hit by car. The guy then talks about fight or flight syndrome.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2GywoS77qc
Pushing the limits clip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBnBTkcr6No
Breaks down what happens in the body--organ by organ and system by system. Very good clip.
Also talks about shallow and diaphragmatic breathing.
Good one to introduce stress and its impacts to the body. (Warning--does talk about sexual health too--probably only appropriate for students who have taken human growth and development.) : )
there is a 2nd part of the video...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVTw4dypBN8
Fight or Flight--guy in the jungle.
Lost this link. Need to find.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdJpLvSTZMU
Caveman cartoon clip. Fight or Flight--(Very short...)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S_BB7R8NMU
Effects of Stress: Good video on the effects of stress with tips.
How to Make a Stress Ball
Who do stress balls work? Here are some theories:
1. A stress ball relieves stress simply because it keeps your hands busy doing a simple, repetitive movement which eventually becomes almost subconscious. Your anxiety or stress is redirected to the stress ball.
2. There is another theory that says when we are stressed our large muscle groups contract in preparation for flight. Squeezing a stress ball allows the muscle fibres in your arms to begin to relax, thereby reducing tension. If you combine rhythmic squeezing of the stress ball with breath control (breathe in & squeeze, breathe out and unclench) you have a very effective stress relief technique.
If you'd like to read more: http://cognitusuk.com/why-do-stress-balls-work/
They have a 3rd theory that is a little more scientific and lengthy. : )
Learn How to Breathe
Believe it or not, there is a healthy way to breathe. I found an excellent and FREE app on stress and breathing to relax. This app includes:
Its very cool. You can read or watch videos on the various subjects. You can also customize it so that you are breathing comfortable during the exercise.
The App: Breath2Relax
We will do this exercise in health class, but you can do this at home too!
Guided Imagery: Floating on a Cloud
Here is another relaxation activity. Guided Imagery is an activity that directs your thoughts and your imagination to bring your body and mind to a more relaxed, centered, focused state. It combines guided imagery (floating on a cloud) with deep, belly breathing.
Now, I know doing in this in a class of 30 students is not the most "relaxed" atmosphere. However, I think it is a great activity that students can use and practice at home when they are feeling stressed out. This activity is appropriate for all ages. It is a free video that I found online.
The Plank:
Coming soon: How can doing a plank for 1 minute reduce stress.
Exercise and Stress:
Coming Soon.
Hobbies and Adolescents:
How having a hobby can lower stress, improve self confidence, and keep kids off drugs.
Coming soon.
http://ezinearticles.com/?18-Ways-Your-Child-Can-Benefit-From-Hobbies&id=6006864
Ultimate List of Stress Reduction Strategies: (Coming Soon)
Journaling, Problem Solving, Organizational Strategies, Art, Hobbies, Exercise, Meditation and Breathing, Talking it Out, Fun, Humor, and more to come!