The Brain & Body Connection
What is anxiety?
Physical or emotional responses
What is a coping skill?
Tools that help you process hard feelings without becoming completely overwhelmed.
Clenched fists, a fast heart rate, and a red face are physical signs of this common emotion.
What is anger?
What does it look like to be actively listening?
Nodding, making eye contact, and not interrupting while a friend or adult speaks to you.
Who are your school counselors?
Ms. Brooke, Ms. Becky, Mr. Knight, and Mrs. Ward
Name two physical warning signs your body gives you when you start getting angry or anxious.
Racing heart, sweaty palms, clenched fists, tight jaw, or shallow breathing
Replacing "I'm going to fail this test" with "I'm prepared and will do my best" is an example of this cognitive tool.
What is reframing (or positive self-talk)?
This emotion often sits "under the iceberg" beneath anger, making you feel exposed or vulnerable.
What is sadness (or fear / hurt)?
Saying "No" politely to a friend who wants you to skip class is an example of setting a healthy one of these.
What is a boundary?
Identify some of your trusted adults.
This can be parents, coaches, teachers, therapists, family members, etc.
Breathing quickly and taking shallow breaths from your chest.
What is the stress response?