“There is more to life than increasing its speed.”

Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), Indian statesman

Sometimes we all feel stressed. Take turns asking and responding to these questions. Feel free to skip any awkward questions. Listen sympathetically.

1.       What are common reasons for stress in people’s personal lives?

2.       Have you felt stress recently? Describe a recent stressful experience.

3.       When is your workplace stressful?

4.       Which school situations make you stressful at times?

5.       Do you eat more or less when you’re stressed? Do you have any special comfort foods?

6.       Do you have stomach ulcers or high blood pressure?

7.       Do your hands shake when you’re stressed? Any other physical symptoms?

8.       When you’re stressed, are you fearful? Are you sad? Are you angry?

9.       How do others know when you’re stressed? Do you yell? Become silent?

10.   Do you remember feeling stressed as a child? Why?

11.   Do you feel more stress as an adult than you did as a child? Why?

12.   Do you know any “stress junkies” who thrive on pressure? What professions might attract these people? Why?

13.   How can stress help you? Have you ever been inspired by stress?

14.   Can stress be fun? Do you like horror movies? Do you like roller coasters? Are you a sports fan?

15.   In what other situations does stress make you feel more alive?

16.   Have you ever been to a spa or had a massage? Did it help you relieve stress?

17.   What kind of music relaxes you and relieves stress?

18.   Do you exercise or play sports to lessen your stress? How often? Does it help?

 

VOCABULARY

 

Please circle the words that you know. Ask your partner or teacher for the meanings of the other words.

Stress……………………………………………………………………………………..

Comfort……………………………………………………………………………………

Spa………………………………………………………………………………….…..…

Symptom………………………………………………………………………………..….

Unhealthy…………………………………………………………………………….…….

Fan………………………………………………………………………………….……..

Relieve…………………………………………………………………………….….……..

Adventuresome……………………………………………………………………….……..

Red-flag………………………………………………………………………………..……

Risks………………………………………………………………………………………….

Thrive…………………………………………………………………………………………

Strive………………………………………………………………………………………..

Overcome…………………………………………………………………………………..