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Stress is natural. It's the body's way of sharpening focus, and of increasing stamina and alertness, so that you can rise to challenges and face tough situations. This type of stress is productive stress. On the other hand, unproductive stress can cause health issues and other problems. It’s important to be able to relieve or manage unproductive stress. The key to managing stress is finding the sweet spot between the two types. The following activities with stress management techniques for students should help them do that. This resource is designed to help you support your students (and their parents and carers) through the stressful exam period. It includes a suite of activities intended to help teachers or wellbeing staff better understand how students experience stress. Interactive activities can be used to promote class discussion and to help those who may not be coping with the stress in their lives. The activities cover tips and resources on everything from encouraging students to adopt a growth mindset, to suggestions for effective study habits. We’ve also included some of our most popular content from ReachOut.com that you can photocopy and share with your students, as well as content from ReachOut.com/Parents that you can share in communications with the parent community at your school. |
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Help students reflect on current levels and understanding of stress. Learn what influences levels of stress, including what we can and can't control.
9-10
11-12
60 minutes
Students explore the concepts of growth and fixed mindsets and the impact these can have on managing stress.
9-10
11-12
60 minutes
Students investigate their strengths and goals to reflect on their study routines.
9-10
11-12
60 minutes
Students investigate practical strategies to manage exam stress.
9-10
11-12
60 minutes
Students watch the ReachOut video ‘Study Hacks’ and create their own Study Hack Pack to use for study.
9-10
11-12
60 minutes
Help students to identify lessons and strategies they can implement when they get disappointing results.
9-10
10-11
60 minutes
Students complete a quiz to help them recognise the signs of burnout, as well as how and where to seek support if they need it.
9-10
11-12
5 minutes
Students read a case study to help them identify self-care strategies they could use during exam time.
9-10
11-12
5 minutes
Encourage students to share good things that have happened in their life with other students which can help build relationships and connections.
7-12
5 minutes
Stretching is a simple stress-release activity. Stretching increases the blood flow to muscles, which helps release tension. Students can stretch sitting at their desks or while moving around.
7-12
5 minutes
This exercise uses progressive muscle relaxation to help student notice, release and manage muscle tension and feel less stressed.
7-12
5 minutes
Students learn the benefits of eating nutritious foods, especially during stressful periods of study or exams.
7-12
5 minutes
Students need to feel empowered not only to help others, but also to help themselves. This activity gives students the opportunity to role play difficult conversations they may have with friends.
7-12
5 minutes
Sometimes students can’t explain how they are feeling. Using a continuum removes the pressure and lets students demonstrate visually how they are coping.
7-12
5 minutes
Goal setting is a great way to focus and motivate. By setting clear and achievable goals, young people can remember the what and the why.
7-12
5 minutes
When we feel overwhelmed, it’s easy to dwell on what we don’t know, instead of celebrating what we do know.
7-12
5 minutes
Exercise is important; it not only gives students a break, but also releases endorphins.
7-12
5 minutes
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