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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can master ways to deal with stress such as self-care routines and mindfulness.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: visualisation, deep breathing and positive self-talk help us to push through challenging exercises.
      2. Think: stress affects the body by increasing muscle tension and heart rate, reducing the effect of training.
      3. Feel: mindfulness can help you feel more focused, calm and in tune with your surroundings.
      4. Connect: using positive self-talk to motivate your peers is powerful and helps create a culture of support and effort.

      Keywords

      • Stress - feeling overwhelmed or worried

      • Self-care - taking care of yourself to stay healthy

      • Mindfulness - being aware of the present moment

      Common misconception

      Some pupils may struggle to believe the impact your mindset can have on performance.

      Your mindset can be the difference between giving up and persisting, through the use of mindfulness, visualisation and positive self talk anything is possible.

      Teacher tip

      If you don't have confidence or experience in delivering this kind of content, use the additional materials to guide you.

      Equipment

      additional materials, floor matts, music box, white boards and pens

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Who would find flexibility training most useful?

      golfers
      gymnasts
      Correct answer: everyone

      Q2.
      Which is a benefit of flexibility training?

      Correct answer: prevents injury
      reduces weight
      increases strength

      Q3.
      What should we use to guide our movement and increase the depth of our stretches?

      the music
      Correct answer: our breath
      our partner

      Q4.
      What should we try to sense in our body to identify where stretching is really needed?

      pain
      Correct answer: tightness
      supple areas

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What positive techniques can we use to help push us through challenging exercises?

      Correct answer: visualisation, breathing, positivity
      momentum and effort
      ignore pain

      Q2.
      How does stress affect the body?

      energises it
      Correct answer: increases muscle tension
      paralyses it

      Q3.
      What can we use to feel more focused, calm and in tune with our surroundings?

      Correct Answer: mindfulness, visualisation, deep breathing, positive self-talk

      Q4.
      Using self-talk can be a powerful way to motivate our peers but what must it be?

      Correct Answer: positive, encouraging

      To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Mental health and stress management, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...