Coping toolbox
What's one way you can calm your body when you feel nervous?
Example: deep breathing/ belly breaths
If your worry monster had a voice, what would it sound like?
Your choice
When you feel nervous before school, what’s one clue your body gives you?
Stomachache, shaky hands, sweaty, fast heartbeat, nausea.
What's a grounding technique that uses your senses?
5-4-3-2-1 (name 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, 1 thing you taste)
What is one thing your worry monster tells you about school?
"something bad will happen" "you'll mess up" etc.
You get nervous about walking into class. What’s one coping skill you could try?
Deep breaths, positive self-talk, grounding, distraction with fidget.
Name one positive thing you could say to yourself when you're worried about school?
"I can handle this", "i'm safe", "it's okay to feel nervous"
What is one way you can shrink or boss around your worry monster?
Using coping skill, drawing it small, etc
True or False: You’re the only kid who ever feels anxious about school.
False – lots of kids and adults feel anxiety sometimes.
True or False: Coping skills make anxiety disappear forever
False- they help us manage it, not erase it.
TRUE or FALSE: Your worry monster is always telling the truth
Imagine it’s the morning of school. Your anxiety is at a “7.” What’s one way you could lower it to a “4”?
Use coping skill, talk to a safe adult, practice grounding.
Pretend we are packing your "coping backpack". What are 3 things you'd put in it?
Fidget toy, calming thought, breathing exercise, doodle pad, etc.
True or False: You are in control of your worries?
You’re the detective! Find 3 “anxiety clues” in your body that tell you worries are showing up.
Racing heart, sweaty palms, upset stomach, fast breathing, headache, etc.