Life Skills and Leadership Manual - Peace Corps

Life Skills & Leadership: Unit 1, Session 6: Stress and Emotions | Page 67 of 93

Session 6: Stress and Emotions

Date: Time: 120 minutes Facilitator(s):

Facilitator preparation:

1. Gather supplies and copy handouts.


2. Prepare flip chart headings.


3. Prepare a ball of string or yarn for “Tied up in Knots.” Tie knots in the string at random intervals from 6
   inches to 2 or 3 feet apart.

Note: This session is based on the simplified assumption that we are happier when more of our needs have been met. However,
some people who have many of their needs met and also have many material possessions are unhappy. In contrast, some people
who have very few of their basic needs, such as food and shelter, are still quite happy. One reason for this (again, a simplified
explanation) is that people have different degrees of resilience, or the ability to spring back after stressful situations. People with
more assets (see Trainer Materials for Unit 1, Session 1) tend to be more resilient. Knowing what one needs and learning ways to
manage one’s stress are personal assets that can help a person build their resilience.
This will be an especially important point to keep in mind when working with street youth, homeless youth, orphans, and
vulnerable children. These young people may need extra coaching to understand that what a person has is less important than
how they use what they do have.

Note: Be sure to keep Flip chart 2: Reducing Stress with the additions made by participants for use in the Motivation section of
Session 7.

Materials:

Equipment

1. An empty school bag or shopping bag


2. Several books – any title is OK (See Motivation Activity)


3. Flip chart or heavy paper


4. Markers or crayons


5. Small ball or other safe object to toss


6. Ball of string, yarn, or twine
   Prepared flip charts
   Flip chart 1: Emotions and Needs
   Flip chart 2: Reducing Stress
   Handouts
   Handout 1: What We Need
   Trainer materials
   Trainer Material 1: Script for Relaxation Activity (“Relax and Chill”)

Learning Objective(s):

1. After role-playing typical situations that adolescents might encounter, participants will identify at least
   three different emotions they experience during adolescence or young adulthood and link them to basic
   needs that may be unmet.


2. After group sharing and discussion, participants will identify at least one “Pet Peeve” (annoying event)
   and at least one strategy for finding positive alternatives to getting angry.


3. After brainstorming and discussion, participants will identify at least three anger or stress management
   strategies that they can use in their daily lives.