Stress and Resilience
Level:
CPD
Duration:
3 hrs
Course code:
TD/2025/09080
Max group:
12
Learn effective strategies to manage stress and build resilience for better well-being



Course Summary
Stress and Resilience
The Stress and Resilience course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of how stress affects the mind and body, and how resilience can be developed to cope with and recover from challenging situations. Stress is an inevitable part of life, but how we respond to it can significantly influence our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This course explores the science behind stress, the factors that contribute to resilience, and practical strategies for enhancing personal and professional resilience. Participants will learn to recognize the signs of stress, understand the physiological and psychological impacts, and adopt evidence-based techniques to manage stress and build resilience for sustained well-being. Key Learning Objectives: By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the Nature of Stress Define stress and its various forms (acute, chronic, eustress, and distress). Explore the physiological and psychological impacts of stress on the body and mind. Recognize the common stress triggers in personal and professional settings. Identify the signs and symptoms of stress, including physical, emotional, and behavioral indicators. Examine the Science Behind Stress Understand the role of the autonomic nervous system and fight-or-flight response in stress reactions. Explore the effects of chronic stress on health, including its links to anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions. Learn how stress affects the brain and cognitive functions, such as memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Introduce the Concept of Resilience Define resilience and understand its importance in overcoming adversity. Identify the key factors that contribute to resilience, such as emotional regulation, optimism, social support, and problem-solving skills. Explore how resilience is not a fixed trait but a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time. Explore the Connection Between Stress and Resilience Understand how individuals can develop resilience to manage stress more effectively. Learn the role of coping mechanisms, both adaptive and maladaptive, in responding to stress. Identify resilience-building strategies that promote positive stress responses and foster long-term well-being. Practical Techniques for Managing Stress Learn mindfulness and relaxation techniques to manage immediate stress, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery. Understand the role of physical activity, sleep, and nutrition in stress management and overall resilience. Explore time management and organizational strategies to reduce work-related stress and enhance productivity. Develop techniques for emotional regulation, including cognitive reframing and self-compassion practices. Building Resilience in the Workplace and Personal Life Learn strategies for managing workplace stress, including maintaining work-life balance, setting boundaries, and seeking support. Identify key resilience traits that improve performance and foster positive work relationships. Explore how to build resilience in personal relationships and family life, including fostering communication and emotional support networks. Develop strategies for maintaining resilience in the face of long-term stress or trauma. Creating a Resilience-Boosting Environment Identify environmental factors that promote or hinder resilience, such as social support, work culture, and personal environment. Learn how to cultivate an environment that fosters resilience in both personal and professional settings. Discuss the role of leadership and organizational culture in building resilience within teams and communities. Long-Term Stress Management and Preventing Burnout Recognize the signs of burnout and how it differs from stress. Understand the long-term effects of unchecked stress on mental and physical health, and how burnout can develop. Develop sustainable strategies for preventing burnout, including self-care practices, boundary setting, and regular stress assessments.





Course Contents
Module 1: Introduction to Stress
Definition and types of stress: acute, chronic, eustress, distress
Common stressors: work, relationships, finances, health
The fight-or-flight stress response
Physiological effects on body and mind: heart rate, blood pressure, immune system
Signs and symptoms of stress: physical, emotional, behavioral
Module 2: The Science of Stress
Role of autonomic nervous system: sympathetic vs. parasympathetic
Brain involvement: amygdala and prefrontal cortex in stress response
Long-term effects of chronic stress on cardiovascular health, sleep, digestion, immune function
Cognitive impacts: memory, attention, decision-making
Emotional impacts: anxiety, irritability, depression
Module 3: Building Resilience
Defining resilience and its importance
Resilience as a skill that can be developed
Key factors: emotional regulation, optimism, social support, problem-solving, adaptability
Module 4: Stress vs. Resilience
How resilience helps manage and recover from stress
Coping mechanisms: adaptive vs. maladaptive
Developing effective coping strategies for short- and long-term stress
Module 5: Techniques for Managing Stress
Mindfulness and relaxation: mindful breathing, meditation, body scanning
Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), guided imagery, visualization
Role of physical activity: aerobic and strength exercises
Improving sleep hygiene
Nutrition’s impact on stress and mood
Module 6: Building Resilience in Personal and Professional Life
Managing work stress: time management, boundaries, workload balance
Staying calm under pressure in high-stress environments
Leadership’s role in fostering resilient teams
Building emotional resilience in relationships and family
Overcoming challenges with a growth mindset
Setting personal goals and maintaining motivation
Module 7: Self-Care for Stress Management
Importance of self-care in promoting resilience
Building routines for mental, emotional, physical well-being
Practicing self-compassion
Developing healthy habits: relaxation, recreation, hobbies
Module 8: Preventing and Managing Burnout
Distinguishing burnout from stress
Recognizing burnout signs: exhaustion, detachment, reduced performance
Strategies to prevent burnout: realistic expectations, breaks, disconnecting
Long-term self-care planning to avoid burnout
Module 9: Building a Resilient Environment
Impact of organizational culture and community support on resilience
Leaders fostering resilience in teams and organizations
Supporting others in stress management
Creating safe spaces for emotional expression
Module 10: Reflection and Action Plan
Self-assessment of stress and resilience
Identifying personal strengths and growth areas
Creating an individualized stress management and resilience plan
Setting short- and long-term goals
Committing to ongoing assessment and adjustment

Assessment
The instructor conducts a single written assessments at the end of the course. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a three-year Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults (Level 6 in Scotland). No external assessors are required for this qualification.
Duration
The course requires a minimum of 7 hours, distributed over the day. While it is ideal to complete the course in one day, we can adjust the schedule to suit your specific needs, as long as the course is completed within 3 weeks of starting and each training session lasts at least two hours.

Certification Validity
This qualification has no formal expiry, however regular CPD and updates are recommended.



Further Information - Course Numbers
A maximum of 12 students can be accommodated on this course and all candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age to qualify.
Assessment method: Activities, test paper.
Pre-requisite: None
Suggested progression:
recommended refresher training and CPD;