Mindfulness
Wiggle your toes in shoes (another body part that you do not move as often). What did that feel like?
True or false: Taking time for yourself each day will help you cope with stress.
What is: True
Name three symptoms of anxiety/stress?
What is: sweaty hands, negative thoughts, dry mouth, frequent urination, dizziness, digestive issues, butterflies, fidgeting, irregular heartbeat, red face, headache, stomach ache, shaking, etc.
True or False: it is ok to cry.
What is: True! Crying can be a healthy way to release emotions and express how you are feeling.
True of false: Instant fixes for stress exist.
How is breathing a valuable tool?
What is to help slow down your heart rate, lessen anxiety, regulate your moods, and calm you down.
Name three positive coping skills.
What is: exercise, listening to music, talking with a friend, art activities, going on a walk, practicing self-care, watching your favorite tv show, journaling, etc.
Sam has been feeling stressed. What is a behavior that might help?
What are deep breathing exercises, take a break, go for a walk, listen to music, practice self-care, make a to-do list, etc.
Name two ways you can practice self-care in your relationships (Friends, Family, etc.)
What is: Communicate, set boundaries, ask for help, be vulnerable/honest
What is something you can say to yourself when you feel stressed?
What is: "You got this", "You are capable", "you are strong", "you are loved", "you are seen", take a deep breath, take a break, come back to it later, etc.
What are your five senses and how can you use them when practicing mindfulness?
What is smell, touch, taste, hear, and see. Practice the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Grounding Exercise.
Name three negative coping skills.
What is: fighting, substance usage, arguing, yelling at someone, negative self-talk, isolation, avoidance, over/under eating, etc.
What is NOT an appropriate way of expressing your thoughts/feelings?
What is: bottling up emotions, not expressing how you feel (in an appropriate way), forcing yourself not to cry when upset, not taking a break or giving yourself time to process, yelling at someone when you are upset or blaming them for your feelings (only you can control your feelings/reaction, if someone hurt you then communicate that their actions have upset you)
Name three Emotional Release techniques.
What is yelling, screaming, running, taking a cold shower, crying, laughing, or dancing.
What can too much stress cause to your body physically?
How can not getting enough sleep keep you from being mindful?
What is it makes you grumpy, hard to focus, more anxious, lower mood, etc.
How can socializing with others be used as a coping skill?
What is: socializing with others decreases feelings of loneliness and stress, and increases feelings of enjoyment and happiness.
What is the most common mental illness in the United States?
What is: Depression
How could having a routine be beneficial to you?
What is: Repetitive routines are calming and help reduce anxiety. They also help you take control of your day and subsequently, your life.
What can you do to help yourself feel less stressed during class or with other school work?
What is: staying organized, keeping a journal, making sure you get enough sleep, eating healthy and regular meals, exercising, limiting excess caffeine, keeping an eye on your current grades, being aware of upcoming assignments, etc.
What is mindfulness?
What is: being aware of how we feel in ourselves and how we feel in situations; being aware of surroundings
What is the benefit of journaling?
What is: no judgment, great way to store your favorite memories/moments, encourages self-confidence, helps with achieving goals, inspires creativity, enhances critical thinking skills, improves your mental health, helps you gain control of your emotions, outlet for difficult-to-process thoughts and feelings, etc.
What is the human stress response?
What is: Fight, Flight, Freeze
Why is self-care important for teens?
What is: Daily self-care is important for teenagers because it causes an individual to pay attention to their own physical and emotional needs. Because of technology and social media, it can be extremely easy to focus all of our energy on what other people are doing, instead of focusing on ourselves.
If stress is stuffed inside too long it can cause aches and pains in your body. Where might these be?
What is: stomach, headache, tense muscles, irregular heart rhythm, high blood pressure, weight gain, insomnia, depression, anxiety, body aches, difficulty focusing, loss of appetite, chest paid, irritability, nausea/diarrhea, stroke, constant worry, memory problems, colds, lower immune system, feelings of neglect or loneliness.