Nervous System 101
This nervous system response prepares your body to protect itself when it senses danger.
What is fight or flight
Name one coping skill that helps calm the body when stress is high.
Deep breathing, walking, grounding, or stretching.
This term describes the zone where you feel calm, focused, and able to cope.
What is the Window of Tolerance
TIPP skills are designed to help regulate what system in the body?
What is the nervous system.
What does the “S” in STOP stand for?
STOP
Name one physical sign your body might show when it enters fight mode.
Increased heart rate, muscle tension, clenched jaw, anger,
This type of coping skill helps shift attention back to the present moment.
What are grounding skills
True or false? Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or panicky is often a sign of being above your window.
What is True.
What does the “T” in TIPP stand for?
What is Temperature.
What does the “O” in STOP stand for?
Observe
This response often looks like shutting down, zoning out, or feeling numb
What is freeze
Name one coping skill that uses movement to release stress.
Exercise, shaking out arms, walking, yoga.
Name one sign your body gives you when you are leaving your window of tolerance.
Racing thoughts, shallow breathing, irritability, zoning out.
Cold water helps activate this calming nerve in the body.
The vagus nerve.
Name one step in the IMPROVE skill.
Imagery, Meaning, Prayer, Relaxation, One thing in the moment, Encouragement.
This response may involve people-pleasing or avoiding conflict to stay safe.
What is fawn.
Why is it helpful to have more than one coping skill in your toolbox?
Different situations require different skills; not all skills work every time.
This state often includes numbness, low energy, or disconnection.
Being below the window of tolerance.
Name one other TIPP skill besides temperature.
Intense exercise, paced breathing, progressive muscle relaxation.
True or false. STOP skills are most useful before reacting impulsively.
True
True or False: Fight, flight, freeze, and fawn are choices we consciously make.
What is false.
Name a coping skill that works for both anxiety and cravings.
Breathing, cold water, distraction, reaching out
Why is noticing early stress signals important for recovery?
It allows earlier intervention before emotions or cravings escalate.
When is cold water most helpful to use?
When emotions are intense or escalating quickly.
How can STOP + IMPROVE help prevent relapse?
By slowing reactions and choosing healthier responses.