Kindness
What is the definition of kindness?
Being friendly, generous, and considerate toward others and yourself without expecting anything in return.
Name three different dimensions of self-care.
Physical, emotional, social, mental (cognitive), or spiritual self-care.
What is a personal boundary?
A rule or limit you set to protect your physical, emotional, and mental space and well-being.
What are two common physical or emotional signs that your stress levels are getting too high?
Headaches, fatigue, muscle tension, irritability, difficulty sleeping, or trouble concentrating.
Give two examples of small, everyday acts of kindness.
Saying thank you, holding the door open, complimenting someone, or sharing notes.
True or False: Self-care is selfish because it means putting yourself before everyone else.
False. Self-care ensures you have the energy and mental balance to function well and support others effectively.
Name two types of boundaries (e.g., physical...).
Physical, digital, emotional, material, or time boundaries.
What is one simple grounding or breathing technique you can use when feeling overwhelmed?
Box breathing (4-4-4-4 technique) or the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory grounding technique.
How does practicing kindness benefit your own physical or mental health?
It releases feel-good hormones (like oxytocin and dopamine), lowers stress, improves mood, and strengthens social connections.
What is an example of physical self-care versus emotional self-care?
Physical: Getting 8–10 hours of sleep, drinking water, or exercising. Emotional: Journaling, processing feelings, or talking to a trusted friend or counselor.
Give an example of a healthy digital boundary.
Turning off notifications after 9 PM, not sharing passwords, or declining to respond immediately to messages when studying or resting.
What is the difference between positive (eustress) and negative stress (distress)?
Eustress motivates you and improves performance (e.g., excitement before a game or presentation), while distress overwhelms you and impairs your functioning over time.
What is the difference between "being nice" and "being genuinely kind"?
Being nice often focuses on pleasing others or maintaining surface politeness, while being kind comes from genuine empathy and doing what is right, even when it requires honesty or setting a boundary.
Why might scrolling on social media for hours not count as effective self-care?
While it feels like downtime, passive scrolling can increase stress, lead to comparison, disrupt sleep, and deplete mental energy rather than restore it.
How can you say "no" to a peer while remaining respectful and firm?
Use "I" statements, be clear and direct without making up elaborate excuses (e.g., "I can't help tonight because I need to study, but thanks for asking").
Name two resources or people you can turn to at school or in the community if you need support with your mental health.
School counselor, year coordinator, trusted teacher, parent/guardian, GP, or helpline service (like Headspace or Kids Helpline).
Describe what a "ripple effect" of kindness means in a school environment.
One act of kindness inspires the recipient or onlookers to perform their own acts of kindness, spreading positive behavior throughout the school community.
Explain how establishing a consistent routine contributes to long-term self-care.
Routines reduce decision fatigue, build healthy daily habits (sleep, study, rest), and provide structure during stressful times.
Why is respecting other people's boundaries just as important as setting your own?
It builds trust, mutual respect, and healthy relationships, showing that you value their comfort, safety, and autonomy.
How does high stress impact the brain's ability to learn and retain new information?
High stress floods the brain with cortisol, which impairs the function of the prefrontal cortex (decision making/focus) and hippocampus (memory formation).