LIFE ORIENTATION NOTES
TERM ONE
TOPIC 1: STRESS
Stressors: anything (events, situations, relationships) that causes stress in a
person.
Physical stressors : stressors can have a physical effect on the body and
cause the releasing of the hormone, adrenaline
feeling unsafe where you live
worrying about your health (contracting HIV etc.)
being pregnant or impregnating others
Emotional stressors
Lack of physical self-confidence
not fitting in with peers
fighting with friends
having no friends
identity issues
suffering from depression
Social stressors: this may especially affect teenagers at the end of the year
in comparison to adults. mainly due to academic and future
goals/expectations
Not being able to afford tertiary study
Moving houses
Starting new school
Running a child-headed household
Setting unrealistic goals and/or expectations
Concern about an uncertain future after school
Being rejected by peers
Having an unstable or unsupportive family who cannot cope with
their own stress
, Environmental stressors: challenges/stressors arising from socio-economic
factors
Parents divorcing/separating
Death of a family member/friend
Physical, verbal, cyber, emotional abuse (e.g. Rape, bullying)
Damage/theft to house or personal belonging
Positive stress
Stress isn’t always a bad thing. It can aid in decision making, adaption to
daily routine, changing lifestyle and respond to threatening situations.
Most major events in life result in stress (love, marriage, employment) and
this stress may create challenges that encourage you to take risks or change
life for the better.
Stress becomes unhealthy when we are unable to manage it. It then
becomes distress.
GOOD COPING MECHANISMS FOR STRESS
Exercise regularly
Balanced diet + enough water
Plan a time table and consistently work hand throughout the year
Build a support system of people you can talk to about your stress
Make positive changes I he areas causing you stress
Accept that sometimes you cannot give off your best and learn from
mistakes
Be proactive ( control a situation by causing something to happen rather
than reacting to an unplanned situation)
Ask for help
Avoid those who influence you negatively and sway you from your goals
Prioritize your life and find a balance between academics, sport, family and
friends.
BAD COPING MECHANISMS FOR STRESS
Substance abuse Taking anger out on others
Over/under eating Withdrawing from friends/ family
Procrastinating Spending hours with phone, tv, or
Sleeping too much computer
, CONFLICT
Conflict is an emotive (sensitive and related to feelings) concept that everyone
experiences differently.
Interpersonal conflict: conflict between relationships with others
Intrapersonal conflict: conflict between our feelings with ourselves. Often
resolved through counselling with friends/ professionals.
Steps for resolving conflict
1) Cool off
Conflict cannot be resolved when one or both parties involved are in a rage
of emotions. It inhibits effective communication and may cause someone to
say something that is too mean
2) Use “I” messages to say what is bothering you
This means say to start your sentences with you as the subject. E.g. “I was
just annoyed you came home later than we agreed” vs. “You always come
home late and you didn’t even tell me!”
You need to be non-combative (peaceful/unwilling to fight) and not be
accusing, sarcastic, or use negative body language
3) Each person restates what they heard the other say to them
This ensures that you don’t just listen to your point of view and that you
hear each other out.
4) Take responsibility
Both parties have to admit to some degree of responsibility to make way
for a resolution
5) Think of a solution that benefits both parties
6) Affirm, forgive, or thank
Thanking the person acknowledges them for working towards a solution
with you and sends a message of conciliation (to end a disagreement)
TERM ONE
TOPIC 1: STRESS
Stressors: anything (events, situations, relationships) that causes stress in a
person.
Physical stressors : stressors can have a physical effect on the body and
cause the releasing of the hormone, adrenaline
feeling unsafe where you live
worrying about your health (contracting HIV etc.)
being pregnant or impregnating others
Emotional stressors
Lack of physical self-confidence
not fitting in with peers
fighting with friends
having no friends
identity issues
suffering from depression
Social stressors: this may especially affect teenagers at the end of the year
in comparison to adults. mainly due to academic and future
goals/expectations
Not being able to afford tertiary study
Moving houses
Starting new school
Running a child-headed household
Setting unrealistic goals and/or expectations
Concern about an uncertain future after school
Being rejected by peers
Having an unstable or unsupportive family who cannot cope with
their own stress
, Environmental stressors: challenges/stressors arising from socio-economic
factors
Parents divorcing/separating
Death of a family member/friend
Physical, verbal, cyber, emotional abuse (e.g. Rape, bullying)
Damage/theft to house or personal belonging
Positive stress
Stress isn’t always a bad thing. It can aid in decision making, adaption to
daily routine, changing lifestyle and respond to threatening situations.
Most major events in life result in stress (love, marriage, employment) and
this stress may create challenges that encourage you to take risks or change
life for the better.
Stress becomes unhealthy when we are unable to manage it. It then
becomes distress.
GOOD COPING MECHANISMS FOR STRESS
Exercise regularly
Balanced diet + enough water
Plan a time table and consistently work hand throughout the year
Build a support system of people you can talk to about your stress
Make positive changes I he areas causing you stress
Accept that sometimes you cannot give off your best and learn from
mistakes
Be proactive ( control a situation by causing something to happen rather
than reacting to an unplanned situation)
Ask for help
Avoid those who influence you negatively and sway you from your goals
Prioritize your life and find a balance between academics, sport, family and
friends.
BAD COPING MECHANISMS FOR STRESS
Substance abuse Taking anger out on others
Over/under eating Withdrawing from friends/ family
Procrastinating Spending hours with phone, tv, or
Sleeping too much computer
, CONFLICT
Conflict is an emotive (sensitive and related to feelings) concept that everyone
experiences differently.
Interpersonal conflict: conflict between relationships with others
Intrapersonal conflict: conflict between our feelings with ourselves. Often
resolved through counselling with friends/ professionals.
Steps for resolving conflict
1) Cool off
Conflict cannot be resolved when one or both parties involved are in a rage
of emotions. It inhibits effective communication and may cause someone to
say something that is too mean
2) Use “I” messages to say what is bothering you
This means say to start your sentences with you as the subject. E.g. “I was
just annoyed you came home later than we agreed” vs. “You always come
home late and you didn’t even tell me!”
You need to be non-combative (peaceful/unwilling to fight) and not be
accusing, sarcastic, or use negative body language
3) Each person restates what they heard the other say to them
This ensures that you don’t just listen to your point of view and that you
hear each other out.
4) Take responsibility
Both parties have to admit to some degree of responsibility to make way
for a resolution
5) Think of a solution that benefits both parties
6) Affirm, forgive, or thank
Thanking the person acknowledges them for working towards a solution
with you and sends a message of conciliation (to end a disagreement)
