Relaxation Techniques
What are some activities you do to relax?
Reading/writing, listening to music, taking a walk/run, yoga, etc.
Holding in your feelings (for example: anger) is a positive way of coping.
FALSE. Not expressing you feelings can cause you to build up negative emotions.
Define "coping skill" in your own words.
A coping skill is a method a person uses to deal with stressful situations in their life.
What can you do when you are feeling sad?
Any hobbies you enjoy doing (journaling, going outside, crying, etc.).
What are some things that can cause stress?
School, family members, health issues, financial issues, etc.
What kind of relaxation technique requires inhaling and exhaling?
Deep breathing.
The same coping mechanisms work for all people.
FALSE. Everyone has their own interests.
Name 2-3 healthy coping mechanisms.
Exercise, talking to a trusted person, art therapy, meditation, etc.
Describe a time where you felt lonely. Who did you reach out to?
Spouse, parent(s), teacher, mentor, etc.
What is an unhealthy coping mechanism that you use (or previously used)?
Free response.
Close your eyes for 1 minute and think of something that makes you happy.
Did you do it? :)
We do NOT need coping skills to deal with our stress.
FALSE.
Name 3 unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Smoking, drug use, over-eating, drinking alcohol, social isolation, etc.
Sam gets angry with his little brother and hits him. Why is this a poor way of expressing his anger?
Because it causes harm to others and can damage relationships. What could be a better way to express his anger?
Would you rather do art therapy or music therapy?
Your choice! :)
What is your MOST favorite way to relax? Name 1 method.
Free response.
It is beneficial to talk to others about your feelings.
TRUE. This helps you to release stress and possibly find solutions to your problems.
What makes a coping skill unhealthy?
Any method of coping that avoids addressing the issue or causes physical or emotional harm to oneself or others.
How can you calm yourself down after an argument?
Walk away, meditate, deep breathing, sleep, etc.
Let's do a grounding technique!
5 things you can feel, 4 things you can see, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you taste, and 1 thing you smell. Use your imagination!
Yoga.
Unhealthy coping skills are STILL coping skills.
TRUE. They are not healthy but they are still ways that people use to cope.
Which is the healthy coping skill? Taking a hike or smoking?
Taking a hike! It's gives you to chance to relax your mind and de-stress.
David felt upset after his friend Connor said his hair looked weird. David told Connor that he didn't like his comment on his hair because he's insecure about his hair. Would you say this is a healthy or unhealthy interaction? Explain why.
Yes. David calmly express that Connor's comment made him feel bad. This is healthy because he is using his words to share his feelings.
Explain how using negative coping mechanisms can impact relationships with your family members and friends.
Use poor coping mechanisms can cause you to become distant from your loved ones. Also, they may cause harm to others.