Mind Games
Self-Talk
What is a boundary in a relationship?
A limit that communicates what you are comfortable with, what you need, and how you expect to be treated.
Name one healthy coping strategy you can use when you are feeling stressed.
Examples: taking deep breaths, taking a walk, listening to music, drawing, stretching, talking to someone you trust.
When making a decision, what is one important reason to consider both short-term and long-term consequences?
An option that feels good immediately may create problems later. Considering both helps a person make a more informed decision.
What is the difference between a need and a want?
A need is something essential, such as basic food, housing, or necessary medication. A want is something desirable but not essential, such as video game, designer shoes, the newest iphone.
Someone gets one bad grade and thinks, "I'm stupid, and I'll never succeed. What is one way they could challenge this thought?
Remind themselves that one grade doesn't define their intelligence or their future. They could identify what went wrong and what they can do differently next time.
True or False: If someone is a good friend, they should always agree with you.
False. Healthy friends can disagree respectfully, communicate honestly, and still care about each other.
What is the difference between feeling an emotion and acting on an emotion? And give an example.
An emotion is an internal feeling; an action is what a person chooses to do in response. Feeling angry doesn't require someone to lash out.
You planned to hang out with friends, but they cancel at the last minute. Name one healthy way to handle the disappointment.
Acknowledge that you're disappointed, ask about rescheduling, make another plan, or find something enjoyable to do independently.
You want to build a habit, but you miss two days in a row. Does that mean you've failed? What should you do next?
No. Missing a couple of days is a setback, not proof that you failed. Identify what got in the way, adjust the plan if needed, and restart with the next opportunity.
What is the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset?
A fixed mindset assumes abilities are set and difficult to change. A growth mindset recognizes that abilities can develop through learning, practice, and effort.
Your friend says they don't want to talk about something personal. What is a healthy way to respond.
Respect their boundary, avoid pressuring them, and let them know you are available if they want to talk later.
In the "fight, flight, or freeze" stress response, what does freeze usually refer to?
Feeling stuck, shutting down, or having difficulty responding when faced with a perceived threat or overwhelming stress.
You want to start a new habit but keep forgetting. What is one strategy that could make it easier to remember?
Connect it to an existing routine, set a reminder, put needed materials somewhere visible, create an action plan, or start with a small, manageable action.
A student wants to live more independently in the future but currently struggles to remember appointments, keep their space organized, and manage money. Name three practical skills they could start practicing now.
Remembering appointments: use a calendar app, set reminders, write appointments in a planner, or set an alarm.
Keeping their space organized: create a daily 10-minute cleanup routine or assign specific places for belongings.
Managing money: track your spending, make a simple budget, set a limit for spending each month, or practice distinguishing needs from wants.
Your friend says, "Everyone else is doing better than me. I am so behind in life." Give two things you could say to help them challenge that thought without dismissing their feelings.
Examples can be:
- "It makes sense that you feel behind, but you don't know everyone's full story."
-"Everyone has their own timeline."
- "I know it is often easier to look at the negative, but what is one thing you feel good about in your own life right now?"
A friend apologizes for repeatedly sharing private information. They say they won't do it again, but the behavior continues. What is the most important thing to consider when deciding whether to trust them with private information again?
Their pattern of behavior, not just their apology. Trust can be rebuilt through consistent actions over time, and it's reasonable to maintain boundaries in the meantime.
Someone is extremely upset during a conflict and cannot focus on what the other person is saying. Why might taking a brief break before problem-solving be useful?
High emotional arousal can make listening and thinking clearly harder. A break can provide time to regulate before returning to the discussion. It should ideally include a plan to revisit the issue.
You hear a rumor about a classmate from someone who says, “Everybody knows it's true.” Before deciding whether to believe or repeat it, name two things you should consider.
Whether there is credible evidence, whether the information comes from a reliable source, whether the person has firsthand knowledge, and whether repeating it could harm someone.
Name four recurring expenses someone might need to budget for when living independently.
rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, phone service, internet, insurance, and household supplies.
You fail at something you have worked hard on. Give a response that acknowledges your disappointment but helps you move forward.
For example: "I am disappointed because I cared about this, but one setback doesn't define me. I can figure out what I learned and decide what to try to do next."
Two friends are arguing. One wants to solve the problem immediately, while the other needs space. How could they find a solution that respects both people?
Agree to take a break and choose a specific time to revisit the conversation. The person who needs space gets time to regulate, and the other person knows the issue won't simply be ignored.
A student feels overwhelmed by a major assignment and avoids it for three days. Avoiding it gives them immediate relief, but the stress returns later. What pattern is maintaining the avoidance?
Negative reinforcement. Avoiding the assignment removes an unpleasant feeling temporarily, which can make avoidance more likely in the future. Here, “negative” means removing something unpleasant, not punishment.
Your group has a major project due tomorrow. One person isn't contributing, two people are arguing, and everyone is stressed. Create a three-step plan to help the group finish the project.
Possible plan: (1) Pause and agree on the shared goal. (2) Divide the remaining work into clear, manageable tasks based on everyone's abilities and time. (3) Set a short check-in deadline and ask the teacher for help if the workload cannot reasonably be completed
You have a job interview at 9:00 a.m. Name three things you should prepare in advance to improve your chances of being ready on time.
Examples include choosing appropriate clothes, checking the route, arranging transportation, preparing required documents, researching the employer, and setting alarms.