Why do we need coping skills?
To deal with situations and our emotions during both good and tough times
What are situations in which you may need to use coping skills
Answers vary: Body image distress, meals, arguments, etc.
You can instantly fix your stress/anxiety
FALSE!
Why can art be a helpful coping skill?
It can be used to express emotions/feelings we cannot otherwise voice
Why is it important to talk kindly to ourselves
Our thoughts impact our feelings, which impact our behavior. Speaking kindly to ourselves can impact the way that we feel about ourselves.
What is one coping skill that you can use to deal with big emotions?
Answers vary (TIPP, breathing exercises, etc.)
Is isolating yourself from others a helpful coping strategy?
No, it can be helpful to take a break for a period, but it can make us feel worse if we isolate for long periods of time.
Mindfulness can help with reducing stress/anxiety
TRUE
What is mindfulness
Awareness of the present moment, noticing thoughts, feelings, sensations, and things happening around us in the moment
How does positive self talk change our behavior?
It helps to increase confidence and can make us more likely to interact positively with others
Can you use coping skills with other people?
Yes- asking for help, distractions, etc.
You begin to feel upset and anxious, what are some coping skills you can use?
Breathing exercises, positive self talk, talking to someone, etc.
Taking time each day to care for yourself is important for your mental and physical health.
TRUE
Why are sensory activities helpful coping skills?
They can help us use our senses to regulate our emotions; they allow us to focus on our senses and practice mindfulness
How can you practice gratitude? Can gratitude change our self-talk?
Gratitude lists, etc; Gratitude can make us kinder to both others and ourselves
Why is it important to pick coping skills based on where we are?
It is important to have coping skills that you can use in a variety of situations since there will be times you cant engage in certain skills/they won't be appropriate for the situation in which you find yourself
What can happen to our bodies when we feel overwhelmed/stressed
Stomachaches, headaches, sore muscles, getting sick, feeling tired, out of control, dizziness, etc.
I have no control over my emotions
FALSE
How can music be used as a coping skill?
Why is it important to remember what we are good at?
Knowing our strengths can make us more resilient
How can we learn new coping skills?
Discuss in sessions and groups, talk about them with peers, etc.
What are ways to ensure we are taking care of our bodies?
Specific self-care practices, following our meal plan, etc.
Other people will know when you're stressed out/it is easy for others to tell when you are struggling.
FALSE
Every team gets 500 points if every player on the team gives an example of a different coping skill and explains how they can use it.
Answers vary: I journal to get my thoughts out on paper to help me feel more relaxed.
Any positive answer