Relaxation
Name a relaxation skill
Belly breathing, double inhale, 5 senses grounding, squeeze the lemons (PMR), pinwheel breathing, self-squeeze, body scan, finger breathing, and many more!
Name the three animals that represent the different types of communicating. Show me the symbols on your hands!
Turtle - Passive
Tiger - Aggressive
Owl - Assertive
Name everyone's names in group
Why is mindfulness important?
Mindfulness is being present in the moment. It helps us calm down, focus, learn, solve problems, make better choices, be less impulsive, and recognize our feelings better!
Your friend promised to return your markers, and they said they lost it. You feel really sad and disappointed. You are scared if you tell them how you feel, they will make fun of you.
What would the turtle say?
Say one POSITIVE thing you learned about another person
Remy is empathetic and kind to others!
Lailah is very friendly to others and enthusiastic!
Aleyda is a good listener and creative!
Jasper is hard working and funny!
When can you use a relaxation skill?
When you are mad, sad, scared, or feeling like doing something you shouldn't. When you need to focus and be calm. In school, at home, at the park. Wherever and whenever you want!
You got blamed for breaking a plate when it was someone else. You feel really angry and hurt and are having trouble staying calm.
What would the tiger say?
"You always blame me for things! Why are you so stupid?!"
Name 3 group rules
Be kind, listen carefully, take turns, keep hands/feet to yourself, use inside voices, clean up, try your best, ask for help, confidentiality, and have fun!
How does doing a relaxation skill affect your body (heart, tummy, muscles)?
It can slow your heart beat. It can help you feel less stressed so your tummy doesn't hurt. And it can make your muscles more relaxed.
What would you tell someone who was struggling with anger to help them feel better?
It's okay to be mad.
I'm sorry you're upset.
You deserve to feel respected and cared for.
Name 3 things that you CAN control and 3 things you CANNOT control
CAN: my reactions, my emotions, my choices, asking for help, what I do with my body, what I share with others, the way I talk to others, if I try new things, who I surround myself with.
CANNOT: other people's choices, the past, the future, the happiness of others, what other people say and do, the weather, change.
Teach the group a mindfulness skill
Good job!
Your sibling keeps interrupting you when you are trying to get your homework done. You feel distracted and annoyed and want to focus.
What would the owl say?
"I need to focus on my homework, and it's distracting when you talk to me. I can talk with you when I'm done."
Name 2 things you can do to deal with the "wall of awful"
Helpful: put in a door (music, exercise, nourishment, dancing, novel things) OR climb the wall (positive self-talk, self-reflection, do the activity with someone, make realistic to do list, take breaks, take transition time)
Unhelpful: hulk smash - use anger to get stuff done, but this hurts your relationships with others and yourself