Help Students Redefine Stress

How We Redefine Stress…

can literally make stress a non issue! When it comes to our students dealing with the stress and anxiety that comes with things like college admissions, making the school team, or dealing with bullies, it‘s important that we teach students to redefine the stress by changing it’s meaning.It‘s all about reframing things in a positive way and helping students realize that it‘s not the end of the world if they don‘t make the team or don‘t fit in with everyone socially.

Take trying out for a school team or the musical, for example. Instead of taking failure as meaning they‘re not good enough, help them reframe it to “I‘m not good enough yet.” This will help them get past the disappointment and keep pushing forward.

Bullying is another big issue that students have to deal with. Help them understand that the bully is the one who‘s broken and that they should have empathy and pity for them. It‘ll help them build resilience and inner strength.

To help students really believe in their ability to redefine stress, simply ask questions and guide them instead of telling them what to do. Show them examples from your own life of how you‘ve changed the meaning of experiences and how it‘s helped you cope with stress.