Stress-management
Taking a few slow, deep breaths is an easy way to calm down your body's reaction to this feeling.
What is stress or worry
Making your bed, brushing your teeth, or remembering to pack your lunch are examples of these daily responsibilities.
What are chores or routines
Saying "No thanks" and moving away from the person is an example of this clear action.
What is walking away or leaving the situation
This is the most basic part of talking, which means getting your message across clearly using your voice.
What is speaking
This is a rule or a line you set to show people what you are comfortable with and how you expect to be treated.
What is a boundary
Playing a game, drawing, or listening to music are all examples of this type of healthy activity.
What is a coping skill or healthy distraction
Using a planner, writing down due dates, or breaking a big project into smaller parts helps with this important skill.
What is organization or time management
Keeping your eyes on the person and standing tall while you say no demonstrates this quality.
What is assertiveness or being confident
Nodding, keeping eye contact, and asking questions show that you are paying attention to the other person using this skill.
What is active listening
Asking for alone time when you need to focus on homework is an example of setting this type of boundary.
What is a personal or time/space boundary
This is the action of talking to a parent, teacher, or trusted friend when you feel a problem is too big to handle alone.
What is asking for help or seeking support
This skill means you stop and think before you speak or act, especially when you are angry or excited.
What is self-control or impulse control
To avoid an unhealthy situation, you might make up this quick explanation for why you have to leave, like saying you have homework.
What is making an excuse or having a reason
Your face and your body posture are examples of this type of message you send without using any words.
What is nonverbal communication or body language
This type of boundary protects your body by letting others know when touching is okay and when it is not.
What is a physical boundary
The most important part of this activity is going outside, moving your body, and using up any nervous energy.
What is exercise or physical activity
The ability to bounce back and keep trying even after you fail at something is called this.
What is resilience or grit
When someone keeps asking you to do something unhealthy, this technique means saying the same simple refusal over and over.
What is repeating your refusal or the broken record technique
Starting a sentence with "I feel..." instead of "You always..." is an example of using these powerful statements.
What are "I" messages
When someone keeps teasing you after you have already asked them to stop, they are doing this to your boundary.
What is crossing or violating your boundary
Getting enough of this every night helps your brain recharge, making it easier to solve problems and manage your emotions the next day.
What is sleep or rest
Before you start a project, this involves guessing how long each step will take so you can finish on time.
What is setting goals or prioritizing
This is the most important skill to use if a person won't stop pressuring you or makes you feel unsafe.
What is asking for help or telling a trusted adult
This is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.
What is empathy
Saying "I'm not going to share that secret about my family" is an example of setting this type of boundary.
What is an informational or privacy boundary?