Balloon Toss: Finding and Reducing Stress In Our Lives

Preparation

• This activity can be conducted with groups of women and group of men; however, it should be led in single-sex groups except when facilitators feel otherwise. The facilitators should also be the same sex as the participants in the group (i.e. women facilitators should facilitate activities among groups of women), especially for any sensitive discussions. This activity may be conducted with adolescents and youth, but considerations should be given toward conducting activities with individuals grouped by similar ages. It should be emphasized throughout the curriculum that violence should never be tolerated or accepted.

• Have enough available balloons so that each participant can have one.

Introduction

Tell participants, “In this activity, we will learn about stress and ways to reduce stress in our lives.”

Implementation: Balloon Toss

• Give each participant a balloon. Ask them to blow the balloon. Make sure different sizes of balloons are blown, so that some balloons are more rigid and others are softer.
• After the balloons are blown, tell participants to toss the balloons to each other and around the room. After a few seconds, ask participants to hold the balloon nearest to them.
• Ask participants, how does the balloon feel? Is it soft or tight? Why do they feel that way?
• Explain to participants, “Our minds are like a balloon. When we have too much pressure, our head sometimes feels like it will burst. This pressure can come from stress, anger, irritation, lack of sleep, or hunger.”

Discussion: Stress in Daily Life (15 minutes)

• Divide participants into small groups of 2 to 4 people. Ask them to discuss the following questions.

• “What stress do you have in your daily life?”
• “How do you react to stress? What do you do when you’re stressed?”

• Give them 5 minutes to discuss and share experiences.
• After 5 minutes, ask the small groups to share their discussion.
• Ask the whole group the following questions. Allow them to discuss for five minutes:

• “How does it make you feel when you react negatively to stressful situations?”
• “How does it make other people in that situation feel?”
• “For example, if you have arguments with your family members, how do you feel and how do they feel?”

• Tell participants, we all encounter stress in our daily life. This stress can make us angry, frustrated, and make it more difficult to resolve conflicts.

Discussion: Ways to Reduce Stress (15 minutes)

• Discuss with participants, “Reducing stress requires having a better understanding of ourselves and how we react to and solve problems in our lives. Reducing stress can help us address problems effectively and improve our relationships with our family and friends.”
• Ask participants the following questions. Give a few minutes for each discussion.

• “What are different ways that people manage stress?”
• “What are some less healthy ways that people manage stress?” Possible responses: arguments/yelling, smoking, alcohol or drugs.
• “What are some healthier ways that people manage stress?” Possible responses: Taking a walk, talking to a trusted friend or family member, sleep, prayer/meditation, having a good laugh, sports or exercise, counselling or therapy.

• Explain to participants, “Another way to deal with stress is to change how we think about problems. For example:

• Acceptance. Accept that some things are not in our control. Focus on controlling things you can control, such as your own thoughts or behaviour.
• Forgiveness. Letting go of anger and resentment can help us strengthen relationships. Be willing to forgive others and forgive ourselves.
• Talking about how you feel. Sharing your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or another member of your community can help you think about how the stress affects your life and ways to address the problem.”

Closing

Ask participants, “What is one way you can reduce stress in your life?” As each participant responds, thank them for their honesty.