What is this lesson about?

This B1–B2 ESL lesson explores how people manage stress, pressure and everyday emotional ups and downs. Learners discover practical collocations like cope with stress, take a deep breath, avoid burnout and improve work–life balance through natural conversations and relatable situations. Students connect the language to their own routines, challenges and personal strategies for feeling calmer and more balanced.

What language will students learn?

Learners focus on eight high-frequency collocations used in real life:

Target collocations:

• cope with stress

• reduce anxiety

• deal with pressure

• take a deep breath

• relieve tension

• avoid burnout

• manage your emotions

• improve work–life balance

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How do students practise?

The lesson follows a clear sequence:

• Warm-up discussion about daily stress and small habits

• Vocabulary discovery through mini-dialogues

• Controlled practice to reinforce meaning and form

• Personalised speaking tasks using the target collocations

• Character-based “stress personas” for deeper thinking

• Short dialogue building for fluency and creativity

• Real-life problem scenarios that invite natural advice-giving

• A final reflection to help students apply the language to their own routines

  
  

Why is this lesson useful?

By the end of the lesson, students can:

• Talk naturally about stress and emotions in everyday life

• Use eight practical collocations accurately and confidently

• Give gentle advice using polite, supportive language

• Reflect on their own wellbeing habits and routines

• Understand stress-related conversations in real contexts

  
  

Who is it for?

This lesson is designed for adult B1–B2 learners who want practical, real-world English for wellbeing, routines and daily life. It works perfectly for online or in-person classes, especially 1:1 or small groups where students can share experiences openly.