Stress Less Lesson Plan Stress Less, Live More
Lesson Plan • 7th Grade Wellness
30 Minute Session
Objective
Introduce students to stress management and coping skills, empowering them with strategies to reduce stress and enhance well-being.
Preparation
Review the lesson plan and discussion prompts
Familiarize yourself with the Interactive Activity Sheet
Queue up videos: What is Stress? and Deep Breathing
Print Activity Sheets for all students
Why This Matters
Students will learn essential tools to manage stress, promote mental resilience, and apply healthy coping strategies in their daily lives.
Materials Needed
Slide Deck
Activity Sheet
Discussion Guide
Stress Video
Breathing Video
Instructional Sequence
05
Mins
Introduction and Overview
Introduce stress and its impact on daily life.
Ask: "What does stress mean to you?" to spark initial thoughts.
Play video: What is Stress? to visually explain the concept.
05
Mins
Observation and Discussion
Play video: Deep Breathing to demonstrate technique.
Pause periodically to ask clarifying questions.
Ensure students understand the biological benefit of deep breathing.
10
Mins
Interactive Activity
Distribute the Interactive Stress-Relief Activity Sheet .
Guide students through the physical exercises (breathing, stretching).
Facilitate small group discussions using the provided prompts.
10
Mins
Reflection and Wrap-Up
Lead a reflective discussion: "Share one new strategy you learned today."
Summarize key points from the videos and activities.
Encourage application of these techniques in daily life.
Stress Less Slides Stress Less, Live More
Learning how to handle stress effectively and boost your well-being.
7th Grade Wellness Session 1
What is Stress?
• Stress is a normal response to challenges in our lives.
• It can be both good and bad (excitement vs. worry).
• Today, we'll learn ways to manage stress better.
Video Link
"What is Stress?"
Teacher: Click the video link in your lesson plan to play.
Time to Destress!
1
Breathe
Practice the deep breathing techniques shown in the video.
2
Stretch
Follow along with quick physical stretches to release tension.
3
Share
Share your experiences in small groups using the discussion prompts.
Grab your Activity Sheets now!
Reflection & Wrap-Up
?
What new strategies did you learn today?
?
How can you use these strategies in your daily life?
?
Any final questions or thoughts before we finish?
Great Job Today!
Take these tools with you to live a less stressed life.
Stress Management Discussion Guide Stress Management Discussion Guide
Facilitator Resource • 7th Grade Wellness
Goal: Encourage students to share their own experiences and thoughts on stress while collaboratively exploring ways to cope. Remind students that this is a safe space and all experiences are valid.
1. Opening Questions
What does stress mean to you?
Look for: physical feelings, emotional states, or specific causes.
Can you describe a time when you felt really stressed? What was happening at that moment?
What are some common situations at school or home that might cause stress?
2. Exploring Coping Strategies
What are some ways you think you can reduce or manage stress?
Have you ever tried activities like deep breathing or stretching when feeling anxious? How did it help?
What is one new technique from today’s lesson that you are excited to try?
3. Group Reflection & Wrap-Up
How can we support each other when someone is feeling stressed?
Can you share a strategy you learned today that you believe will help someone else in the future?
Closing Takeaway:
What is the one key takeaway from this discussion about stress and coping strategies?
Stress Less, Live More • 7th Grade Wellness Series
Stress Relief Activity Sheet Relax & Recharge
Stress-Relief Activity Sheet
Name:
Date:
"Welcome to your stress-relief activity! This sheet guides you through exercises to help lower your stress and bring a sense of calm. Follow the steps and use the space to reflect."
Part 1: Deep Breathing
Instructions:
Sit comfortably with your back straight and feet flat.
Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of 4 .
Hold your breath for a count of 4 .
Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 6 .
Repeat this cycle 5 times .
How did this exercise make you feel?
Part 2: Physical Stretches
Try these stretches:
A.
Reach arms to the sky for 10 seconds, then slowly lower them.
B.
Gently tilt head to one side for 10s, then switch sides.
C.
Roll shoulders backward 5 times, then forward 5 times.
Write about one stretch that helped you feel more relaxed:
Part 3: Final Reflection
1. Which exercise did you enjoy the most, and why?
2. How could you use these techniques when feeling stressed at school or home?
3. What is one thing you learned about managing stress today?
Great Job! Keep this as your personal guide to calm.
