6.MEH.2.1

6.MEH.2.1 Organize common responses to stressors based on the degree to which they are positive or negative and their likely health outcomes.Stress is the way the body and mind respond to stressors. Stressors can be a positive event: a vacation, for example; or negative: being bullied or having more homework than one can handle. If the stress mobilizes someone to action (studying harder for that math exam), it can be considered a good thing. If the stress causes negative outcomes (sleeplessness, headaches, or anxiety), it can take its toll on one’s health. Common causes of stress for sixth graders might include participating in a competitive event, an injury or illness, family disruption (such as parental divorce or separation), moving to a new school, a new sibling, and being the target of a bully.

Feeling pressure, anxiety, worry, fear, and apathy can be emotional responses to stress. Physical symptoms can include loss of appetite, upset stomach, headache, excessive perspiration, tension in the neck and back, and tiredness. It is helpful to organize stressors into categories: those that are positive and enable us to feel and do our best; and those that are negative because they are distractions and interfere with health and achievement.
 * The student will be able to list responses to stressors.
 * The student will be able to anticipate whether the outcomes will be positive or negative.

6.MEH.2.2 Differentiate between positive and negative stress management strategies.There are positive and negative methods of coping with stress. For example, after an argument with a friend, one might go for a run or one might yell at a younger brother. Going for a run would relieve muscular tension and allow one to think about how to solve the problem. Yelling at a family member causes discord within the family and is actually projecting the problem on someone else. Positive coping usually reduces the stress response, whereas negative coping increases stress for the person and even others.

The C-O-P-E method is recommended for positive stress management. C = change how one thinks about the stressor. [An example would be thinking on the bright side or finding the silver lining in the stressful situation.] O = organize with attention to time management. [When a task seems overwhelming, one can break the work down into smaller tasks.] P = practice relaxation techniques. [When anticipating pressure and feeling anxious, a person can practice stress management activities such as deep breathing or progressive muscular relaxation.] E = emotions can be managed. [Strong emotions can be managed by re-thinking, trying to see another’s point of view, or positive self-talk.] Remember that a good measure of whether a coping mechanism is negative is whether it increases stress rather than minimizing the stress.
 * The student will distinguish between positive and negative coping strategies.
 * The student will be able to apply the C-O-P-E methods of positive stress management.