Stress conversation questions

Stress

 * What is stress?

Causes of stress

 * How many different causes of stress can you think of?
 * Can you think of any circumstances when leisure activities cause you stress?


 * Rate the following activities from 0 (no stress) to 10 (maximum stress):
 * making a speech to less than 10 people.
 * making a speech to over 50 people.
 * preparing for an exam.
 * Sitting an exam.
 * Buying a cup of coffee.
 * Striking up a conversation with a stranger.
 * Taking a plane flight.
 * Driving.
 * Asking somebody to dance.
 * Answering the phone.
 * Asking somebody out on a first date.
 * Trying to work out why your computer won't work.
 * Speaking in English
 * Attending a job interview.
 * Compare you scores with your partner or the rest of the class. Who is the most easily stressed?

Symptoms of stress

 * Do you know how to recognize stress in yourself? In other people?
 * Many of us probably feel the typical symptoms of stress at some time or another. Isolated, they may not mean much, but together they may suggest a degree of stress. How often do you have the following symptoms:
 * Feeling tired during the day.
 * Sleeping badly.
 * A painful stomach.
 * Feeling nervous or worried about things in general.
 * Feeling irritable or becoming angry more easily.
 * Difficulty in concentrating.

Treatment of stress

 * What would you recommend to someone you know who is under stress?
 * How do you think you could reduce stress or prevent stress in your life?
 * Are there certain times of year when you feel more stress? When and why?
 * Have you ever felt you were under a lot of stress? What did you do to overcome it?
 * Which of the following do you think would be the best general advice?
 * just wait for it to go away
 * do sport
 * have a massage
 * go to the doctor for some sort of medication
 * go to a psychologist to learn relaxation techniques
 * Spend more time in the pub
 * consider what is stressing you and take action to eliminate it (if you can).
 * Something else
 * Some people "solve" their stress by compulsive buying. Have you ever gone on a shopping spree? Do you know anyone who has? What did you/they buy? Did it make you feel better?

The positive side

 * A certain level of stress can be positive. Can you think of any cases where stress can be useful or even necessary?
 * Do you like being busy?