The Secret Power of Stress

Short story

by Dorian Venderick

This story, "The Secret Power of Stress," introduces pupils to the concept of stress as a natural and sometimes beneficial response rather than something purely negative. The psychological foundation of the story is based on the "stress mindset," a concept that emphasizes the idea that stress, when managed well, can be a source of growth, motivation, and resilience. The story encourages children to see stress as an opportunity to showcase their abilities or to recognize the importance of a situation, which can shift their perspective from feeling overwhelmed to feeling motivated. By teaching pupils simple techniques like deep breathing, taking mini breaks, positive self-talk, and talking about their feelings, the story equips them with practical tools to manage their stress effectively. You can reinforce these lessons by practicing the coping strategies with your class. For instance, you can try starting or ending the lesson with a breathing exercise. By normalizing stress and framing it positively, you help create a supportive environment where pupils feel empowered to handle challenges both in school and beyond.