"Managing Stress, Mindfully: Insights from the B.Ed. Workshop"😌

 

As part of the Semester 2 B.Ed. curriculum (EDU07), a Stress Management Workshop was held on March 4 at our college. The session, which began at 10:00 AM, opened with a prayer and a warm welcome speech by Ms. Nisha Nasim, Psychology faculty. The workshop was led by Dr. Sreejith, a renowned clinical psychologist, who shared valuable insights on understanding and managing stress effectively. 

 The workshop was conducted in two sessions – theory and practical. In the theoretical session, Dr. Sreejith explained the difference between the brain and mind, various types of stress such as acute, chronic, and psychological stress, and their impact on both mental and physical health. He introduced us to several effective stress management techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices, which can be applied in daily life. 

 The second session was more interactive and activity-based. We practiced mindfulness and breathing exercises designed to calm the mind and improve focus. The class was then divided into five groups to participate in a fun and engaging concentration game – the Ball-Picking Game. The matches were organized as Group 1 vs. Group 5, Group 2 vs. Group 4, and the final round featured the winners competing against Group 3. 

 One of the most meaningful parts of the session was a CBT-based self-journaling exercise. Using a five-column format—Situation, Thought, Feeling, Behavior, and Alternative Thought—participants reflected on their personal stress experiences and learned how to reshape negative thinking patterns. In addition, an assignment was given where participants were to apply CBT techniques to 8th-grade students and record their observations, creating a bridge between theory and real-world classroom application. 

 The workshop concluded by 1:15 PM, followed by heartfelt reflections from the participants. A series of vote of thanks were given by Father Terry (Social Science Department), Neethu (Malayalam Department), Sreelekshmi (Social Science Department), and Feba P.S., with the final address delivered by Union Chairman Albin K. Alexander. 

 Overall, the workshop was interactive, informative, and deeply beneficial. It not only provided practical tools to manage stress but also encouraged self-awareness and emotional balance, which are essential for both personal well-being and a successful teaching career.