Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Stress” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Understanding Stress
1. What is stress?
2. Can you describe how stress feels?
3. What usually causes stress?
4. Is stress always bad?
5. How do you know you are stressed?

II. Common Stressors
6. What makes you feel stressed at school or work?
7. Can being too busy cause stress?
8. How does traffic or commuting contribute to stress?
9. Do you find exams or deadlines stressful?
10. Can relationships cause stress?

III. Physical Symptoms of Stress
11. What are some physical signs of stress?
12. Can stress make you feel tired?
13. Does stress affect your sleep?
14. Can stress cause headaches?
15. How does your body react to stress?

IV. Emotional Symptoms of Stress
16. Does stress make you feel anxious?
17. Can stress make you feel angry or irritable?
18. How does stress affect your mood?
19. Do you feel overwhelmed when stressed?
20. Can stress make you cry?

V. Stress in Daily Life
21. What part of your day is most stressful?
22. How do you manage daily stress?
23. Can multitasking be stressful?
24. Is technology a source of stress for you?
25. How does clutter or mess contribute to stress?

VI. Coping Mechanisms
26. How do you cope with stress?
27. Is exercise a good way to reduce stress?
28. Can talking to someone help with stress?
29. Do you use relaxation techniques like deep breathing?
30. How effective is meditation for stress?

VII. Lifestyle and Stress
31. How does diet affect stress?
32. Can lack of sleep increase stress?
33. Does spending time outdoors affect your stress levels?
34. How important is leisure time for reducing stress?
35. Can a hobby help with managing stress?

VIII. Work and Stress
36. How do you deal with stress at work?
37. Can a good work environment reduce stress?
38. Is a work-life balance important for managing stress?
39. How can you minimize stress during a work project?
40. Can changing jobs reduce stress?

IX. Social Aspects of Stress
41. Does spending time with friends reduce stress?
42. Can social media be a source of stress?
43. How can family help with stress?
44. Is it stressful to meet new people?
45. How do cultural differences impact stress?

X. Long-term Stress
46. What is chronic stress?
47. Can long-term stress affect health?
48. How do you prevent chronic stress?
49. What are the dangers of not managing stress?
50. Can stress lead to burnout?

XI. Stress Management Techniques
51. What is a stress management technique you would like to try?
52. Have you ever taken a stress management class?
53. What role can yoga play in managing stress?
54. Can a vacation significantly reduce stress?
55. How does time management help with stress?

XII. Personal Reflection on Stress
56. What was the most stressful event in your life?
57. How has stress impacted your personal life?
58. Have you made any changes in your life to reduce stress?
59. What advice would you give to someone who is stressed?
60. What stress management resources do you wish you had access to?

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