True or False
Listening to music is the BEST way to cope when you are feeling anxious.
False. Different people prefer type ways of coping. It is important to find strategies that work for YOU.
Act out two different types of coping strategies. Let us try and guess them
Did we guess them??
You have been assigned a project in your Social Studies class. It seems like a lot of work and you are feeling overwhelmed. What can you do?
Some things that might help...
-Make a plan...break down the project into smaller steps and assign yourself mini due dates
-Talk to a trusted adult or friend about how you're feeling
-Remind yourself that you are capable! Think of another time when you felt stressed and were able to accomplish your goal
-Do something fun to get your mind off of it...but remember to get back to it!
Teach us how to do a breathing exercise.
In through your nose, out through your mouth. Long, slow breaths...at least 3 times
What are three things that you are grateful for?
Reminding yourself of things that you are grateful for, can help you feel better when you're having a tough day.
If you are stressed about a school assignment, it's a good idea to ignore it so that you don't get too stressed out.
False. When you ignore something, it doesn't just go away. This will most likely cause you more stress when the assignment is due and you didn't complete it.
Show us what your face and body look like when you are stressed/worried/angry...
Some examples may be a scrunched up face, poor posture, folded arms, head in your hands, biting your nails...
You are playing a game and are losing. You are starting to get upset. What should you do?
Take a breath
A friend is talking to you about something that she is stressed about. What would you do to show that you are really listening to her?
Make eye contact
Respond to what she says (Don't talk about unrelated things)
Don't look at your phone
Tell us about a time that you do something kind for someone.
Doing something kind, or helping someone, often helps us feel better.
Exercise, drawing, watching a funny movie, and talking with a trusted friend, are all healthy coping strategies when you feel stressed.
True. There are many different coping strategies. Find what works for you and the stressor that you're dealing with.
Demonstrate how to tense up your whole body and then slowly release. Describe how it feels.
It's easier to feel relaxed after tensing your muscles.
Teach us about a coping strategy that works for you.
There are so many! Taking a walk, listening to music, talking about it, cuddling a pet, drawing, writing out your feelings...
Tell us two things about yourself that you like or are proud of.
You are wonderful! You are the only you there is! Self care is important - remind yourself frequently of your good qualities.
When you're angry, its a good idea to count to ten before responding.
True. This forces you to stop and think before reacting. It might help you to choose your words more wisely and not say something that you might regret later.
Visualize a "happy place." Describe in detail what it looks like, what is around you, what you hear, etc.
Visualizing a calm, happy place, is a good coping strategy.
What sort of things does your counselor keep in her office/
What is guinea pigs, games, art supplies, and books.
This is an example of a cognitive distortion known as All or Nothing Thinking:
We had one disagreement...That's it, we'll never be friends again!
True. You can reframe you're thinking...
Friends sometimes have disagreements. We should talk it out.
A friend made a comment yesterday that upset you. You ignored it, but its still bothering you. What could you say to your friend.
You want to be honest, but respectful. Remember, how you say something is just as important as what you say.