True or False
Taking deep breaths actually changes the signals your brain sends to your body to help you calm down
True. It switches your body from "Flight or Fight" mode to "Rest and Digest" mode.
???
You might feel this way if you are trying something new that you've never done before.
Nervous
Imagine if you were having a bad day, what is a coping skill that would help you the most?
Go for a walk, drawing, talking to an adult, playing outside, read a book
Staying up until 2:00 AM playing video games to forget about a bad grade you got earlier that day.
Unhealthy. It avoids the problem and leaves you exhausted the next day.
When you feel stressed, it's best to ignore your feelings until they go away.
False!
Who at home can help remind you to use your coping skills?
??
You might feel this way if someone takes something that belongs to you without asking.
Angry, annoyed
Imagine that your friend told you they were stressed about something happening at home and they didn't want to share any details. What is a coping strategy you could suggest for them to try?
Ask an adult for help, write in a journal, deep breathing.
Writing a "mean letter" to someone who hurt your feelings, but then ripping it up instead of sending it.
Healthy? It gets the feelings out without causing more drama or hurting others.
Coping skills are only for when you are feeling sad.
False. They are also for when you feel angry, anxious, or even over-excited!
What would be a healthy coping skill you could use if you had a sibling who made you angry?
??
You might feel this way if you had to sit by yourself at lunch with no friends.
Lonely
Imagine if you were really worried about something and you noticed it was impacting your ability to focus at school. Name one person you could ask for help.
Parent, teacher, counselor
Pretending you aren't sad and "bottling up" your feelings.
Unhealthy? Emotions need to be expressed safely before they build up too much.
Everyone has the exact same "perfect" coping skill that works every time.
False. What works for one person, like running, might not work for someone else who prefers drawing.
What is a coping skill you could use if you are feeling distracted at school?
Count to 10, use a fidget, ask for a break
You might feel this way if you see your best friend spending time with someone else.
Jealous
Imagine if you were asked to teach a class called "How to Relax." What is one skill you would show the class?
Count to 10, deep breathing, think positive thoughts
Taking a "Time Out" or a "Cool Down" break in a quiet corner until you feel calm enough to talk about a problem.
Healthy? It gives your brain time to move from its "emotional" side back to its "logical" side.
You have to solve problems by yourself for it to count as "coping."
False. Asking for help from a trusted adult is one of the strongest coping skills there is!
What is a coping skill you could use if a classmate is bothering you at school?
Talk to an adult, take a break, count to 10
You might feel this way when you are eating your favorite food for dinner.
Happy
Imagine if someone was saying mean things about you. Give an example of positive self-talk that you could say to yourself.
Telling yourself "I'm so stupid" or "I can't do anything right" every time you make a mistake on a math assignment.
Unhealthy? Negative self-talk makes it harder to learn from mistakes and lowers your confidence.