Awhile ago, a trainer submitted this stress awareness activity to my Creative Training Techniques newsletter. I really appreciate the practical as well as visual aspects of this as I think it does a great job of helping participants get that “A-Ha!” moment. As many of us seem to over-commit to projects or underestimate the amount of time they take, let me reprint it here.
In putting together a stress-management class for all levels of associates at his office, Jason Grooms found two techniques to help participants get in the mood for the class and practice some of the session's key points even before they begin.
Before students arrive, Grooms removes the classroom clock from the wall. As learners file in, he asks them to drop their watches in a “time” basket, over which he'll “keep watch.” He promises to keep the class on time.
This lets participants forget about time, to be “time-free.” It works especially well with upper management and sales consultants who live by the clock, says Grooms.
Later in the course, if he needs a stress reliever, Grooms uses the “team juggle.”
You'll need small stuffed animals or any roundish objects that aren't a danger to person or property.
If you're outdoors, you might even consider trying water balloons.
Divide the class into two groups. Line up the groups facing each other across the room.
Hand a stuffed animal or ball to the first person in Group A. That person must throw the ball to the first person in Group B, across the room, who then throws it to the second person in Group A, who continues the zigzag tossing pattern. The last person to get the ball has to throw it back to the first person.
Do the exercise for two full cycles, asking participants to see how fast they can go.
As the ball moves toward the middle of the group on the third cycle, add a second ball to the mix — then a third and a fourth and so on, until you have half as many balls as pairs. If you have 10 people, work up to five balls.
The old cliche, “Too many balls in the air at one time,” makes its point — while participants get a good laugh.
