Good and Bad Stress
Why:
We make better choices when we differentiate between healthy stress that motivates us toward something important, versus chronic, unhealthy levels of stress.
Warm-Up:
Can you think of a time when stress was actually helpful for you? And one where it was just unpleasant and unhelpful?
Exploration:
Consider showing the video in the link below, and/or discuss the idea that not all stress is bad. Sometimes we need that boost of motivation to accomplish a goal that really matters. But some stress is unhealthy. It might put us into such a panic that we freeze or avoid something inmportant, for example. The key is to know the difference, so we know what kind of help we might need. Invite students to share their answers to the warm-up question, discussing and bridging to see if the group can define both kinds of stress.