Stress and Anxiety
Name some physical symptoms that might let us know we are feeling stressed
Increased heart rate, lack of sleep, nausea, tension, headache, fidgeting, butterflies in the stomach, etc
What can you do if you are feeling anxious and having a hard time concentrating while doing a test or assignment?
Visualize yourself doing well at the exam, take deep breaths, relax tense muscles with PMR, talk kindly to yourself (unleash your inner cheerleader)
Demonstrate Deep Breathing (Hand breaths, 4-7-8 breaths, or square breaths)
How do you feel after?
Name 3 things that make you smile or laugh
Answers vary
True or False? There ARE positive outcomes of stress and anxiety?
True! Stress increases awareness and preparation. Without any anxiety most of us would lack the motivation study for exams, write papers, or do daily tasks like homework.
What is a helpful way to prepare for a test?
A. Wait last minute
B. Pay attention in class and do homework
C. Ignore your teachers when they're teaching
D. Don't do your assignments/ homework
B. Pay attention in class
Demonstrated progressive muscle relaxation.
How do you feel after?
Tell about a time you overcame an obstacle.
Answers may vary
What are 3 healthy ways to cope with stress?
Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, positive reappraisal (find the silver lining), problem solving, mindfulness, positive visualization, etc.
How should you NOT prepare for a test?
A. Get a good night's sleep
B. Eat a good breakfast
C. Arrive on time
D. Stay up all night the night before
D. Stay up all night the night before
Demonstrate the 5-4-3-2-1 game.
5 things you see
4 things you feel
3 things you hear
2 things you smell
1 thing you taste
Name something (like a song or saying) that makes you feel confident.
Answers may vary