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
 
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.