Health Class Practices Stress Management
Source/Author: Kathleen Newton, Upper School Health Teacher
November 04, 2015
A Shorecrest Upper School Health Class (F-block girls) recently completed a unit on strategies to manage stress and use relaxation techniques to recenter the mind. Teens can find this helpful for regaining a sense of control over busy lives. The material was put to practice when the girls had a relaxation class in the gym. 19 ninth graders were present, and some even fell asleep!
While working at a desk or taking an exam, anyone can benefit from the following quick relaxation techniques:
While working at a desk or taking an exam, anyone can benefit from the following quick relaxation techniques:
- Begin by interrupting your thoughts. Think about what is going on around you. Then switch your thoughts to yourself and your breathing. Take a few deep breaths, exhaling slowly.
- Mentally scan your body. Notice areas that feel tense or cramped, such as your neck or shoulders. Loosen up these areas. Let go of as much tension as you can.
- Slowly rotate your head to the left in a smooth, circular motion, leaning your left ear to your left shoulder. Rotate your head to the right in a smooth, circular motion, leaning your right ear to your right shoulder. (Stop any movements that cause pain.)
- Roll your shoulders forward and backward several times. Let all of your muscles completely relax.
- Recall and focus on a pleasant memory.
- Take another deep breath and exhale slowly. You should feel more relaxed.
