Stress can be defined as the external forces of the outside world impacting the individual. Yet stress is also a normal part of life that can help us develop and grow as people. On the other hand, stress can cause us significant problems.
Stress releases potent neurochemicals and hormones that prepare us for action. The common reason for stress is to either fight or flee. If we don’t take action, the stress response can lead to health problems. Prolonged, uninterrupted, unexpected, and unmanageable stresses are the most damaging types of stress.
Day in and day out, we face stressful situations. They meet us at every corner of our life. We can face to face and with stress in life’s low valleys and on the mountaintops where we experience life’s absolute joys. The good and the bad both come with their patterns of tension.
Meeting groups of people can be particularly problematic. No matter how experienced they may be, everybody will feel a degree of stress when faced with a group situation.
Bear in mind that if you are feeling under stress, then everyone else in the group feels much the same way. However, if you’ve been called to lead that group, then the stress on you is going to be that much greater. You will be concerned about how others perceive you, whether you will be accepted or not, and thinking about the task that the group must face. Never lose sight of the big picture, the reason for the existence of the group.
The group will operate and perform their task much better if they are feeling comfortable with the group. The group dynamics can be influenced by the degree of interaction of the members of the group. If you are the leader, then it’s your responsibility to get the group performing.
You will find the task much easier and less stressful if you are adequately prepared. One way you can prepare is to have a bank of stress relief games for groups at hand, or at least have an idea of how these stress relief games work.
You’ll find that these games will help to break down the natural barriers that exist as groups begin to form and develop.
Stress Relief Games for Groups #1: If I Were A…
These stress relief games are extremely good at getting people out of their shells and begin communicating. Good communication assists with a group performance, and without it, the group would never achieve its stated aims.
Its best to have the group stand or sit in a circle; this will create a sense of belonging. The leader starts by turning to the person on his right and ask the question, “if you work an animal, what animal which you be?” That person will answer the question and turn to the person on his right and ask a similar question, such as if you were a famous writer, who would you be? The game continues, and everyone has a chance to ask a question and give an answer. Just remember that nobody is allowed to repeat a category.
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