STRESS MANAGEMENT

2-day course outline for stress management:

Day 1: Understanding Stress

**Objectives:**
- Define stress and identify its sources.
- Recognize the physical and psychological effects of stress.
- Develop an awareness of personal stressors and current coping mechanisms.

**Course Outcome:**
- Participants will understand the fundamentals of stress and its impact on their well-being.
- Participants will identify their stress triggers and evaluate their current responses.

**Morning Session:**
1. **Introduction to Stress:**
- What is stress?
- Types of stress (acute, episodic, chronic).
- Myths and facts about stress.

2. **Causes of Stress:**
- Common sources of stress in daily life.
- Identifying personal stress triggers.

**Afternoon Session:**
3. **Impact of Stress:**
- Physical symptoms of stress.
- Psychological effects of stress.
- Long-term consequences of unmanaged stress.

4. **Current Stress Management:**
- Assessing personal stress levels.
- Evaluating current coping strategies.

### Day 2: Managing and Reducing Stress

**Objectives:**
- Learn effective stress management techniques.
- Develop a personal stress management plan.
- Practice relaxation and mindfulness techniques.

**Course Outcome:**
- Participants will acquire practical tools for managing stress.
- Participants will create a personalized stress management plan.
- Participants will practice techniques to reduce stress in real-time.

**Morning Session:**
1. **Stress Management Techniques:**
- Time management and prioritization.
- Setting realistic goals and expectations.
- Improving communication skills.

2. **Relaxation Techniques:**
- Deep breathing exercises.
- Progressive muscle relaxation.
- Guided imagery.

**Afternoon Session:**
3. **Mindfulness and Meditation:**
- Introduction to mindfulness.
- Meditation practices for stress reduction.
- Incorporating mindfulness into daily routines.

4. **Creating a Stress Management Plan:**
- Developing a personalized plan.
- Setting short-term and long-term goals.
- Identifying support systems and resources.

This course is designed to not only educate participants about stress but also provide them with practical, actionable strategies to manage and reduce it effectively.