Coping Strategies
Name one healthy thing you can do when you start feeling overwhelmed before a test.
Deep breathing, taking a short walk, positive self-talk, stretching, asking for help.
What is one physical sign your body might show when you are stressed?
Sweating, headache, stomachache, fast heartbeat, tense muscles.
When you snap at someone because you're stressed, what emotion regulation skill could help first?
Pause, breathe, think before reacting, take space.
Who is one trusted adult at school you can talk to when stress feels overwhelming?
Counselor, teacher, coach, school staff.
Would getting 8+ hours of sleep help or hurt stress levels?
Help.
True or False: Ignoring stress usually makes it go away faster.
False.
What emotion might come out when stress builds up even if you don't feel “sad”?
Anger, frustration, irritation, anxiety.
SEL focuses on managing emotions responsibly. What is this SEL skill called?
Self-management.
SEL reminds us that asking for help is a sign of what: weakness or strength?
Strength.
Name one food or drink choice that can make stress worse if overused.
Energy drinks, too much caffeine, junk food, sugary drinks.
This coping strategy involves taking slow breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth to calm your body.
Deep breathing.
SEL teaches us to notice our feelings before they take over. What is this skill called?
Self-awareness.
Finish this sentence: “Just because I feel stressed does not mean I have to ______.”
panic / yell / quit / shut down / make bad choices.
What is one way a good friend can help lower your stress?
Listening, encouraging, helping problem solve, distracting positively.
What is one 5-minute activity you can do to reset your brain after a stressful class?
Stretch, breathe, fidget, doodle, water break, short walk.
Your friend says they deal with stress by staying up all night on TikTok. Is this a healthy coping strategy? Why or why not?
No! It avoids the stress temporarily and usually makes sleep, mood, and focus worse.
Why is it important to recognize stress signals early?
Because it helps you calm down before your reactions get bigger or unhealthy.
A student has soccer, homework, chores, and friend drama all in one day. What feeling might they experience?
Overwhelm / anxiety / frustration.
If your friend seems overwhelmed and shuts down, what is a supportive thing to say?
“Do you want to talk?” “How can I help?” “You’re not alone.”
Which helps stress more long-term: procrastinating or making a plan?
Making a plan.
What is one coping skill you can use in school without anyone noticing?
Box breathing, counting backwards, grounding, squeezing hands, positive thoughts.
Name two ways stress can affect your school performance.
Hard to focus, forgetfulness, low motivation, poor sleep, irritability.
Why can naming your feeling (“I am anxious” or “I am frustrated”) actually help lower stress?
It helps the brain understand what is happening and makes coping easier.
This SEL skill means making healthy choices that consider yourself and others.
Responsible decision-making.
Give one example of a daily habit that protects your mental wellness before stress gets too high.
Sleep routine, exercise, journaling, talking it out, organization, breaks.