Healthy Coping Skills
What is a healthy coping skill you can use when you are feeling angry?
Take deep breaths, take a break, count to 10, exercise, or talk to a trusted adult.
Definition- What is an unhealthy coping skill?
A behavior that may temporarily help someone avoid difficult feelings but can cause problems or harm in the long run.
What is a physical sign that you might be becoming stressed or angry?
Fast heartbeat, tense muscles, sweating, shaky hands, or feeling hot.
What breathing technique involves slowly breathing in and slowly breathing out?
Deep breathing.
What is a positive replacement for the thought, "I can't do this"?
"I can try," "I can ask for help," or "I can take it one step at a time."
True or False: Listening to calming music can be a healthy way to manage stress.
True.
True or False: Yelling, hitting, or breaking things is a healthy way to deal with anger.
False.
Why is it important to recognize your feelings before they become overwhelming?
It gives you a chance to use coping skills before your emotions escalate.
Name three things you can do to calm yourself when you are overwhelmed.
Take a break, use breathing exercises, listen to music, count, stretch, talk to someone, etc.
What does positive self-talk mean?
Speaking to yourself in an encouraging and supportive way.
You are feeling overwhelmed with schoolwork. What is one healthy coping strategy you could try?
Take a short break, use deep breathing, ask for help, or complete the work one step at a time.
A student is upset and starts arguing with everyone around them. Is this a healthy or unhealthy coping strategy?
Unhealthy.
What is the difference between a feeling and a behavior?
A feeling is an emotion you experience; a behavior is how you choose to act.
Why might taking a short break help when you're frustrated?
It gives you time to calm your body and think before reacting.
Your friend doesn't invite you somewhere and you think, "Nobody likes me." What could you tell yourself instead?
"I don't know why they didn't invite me, and it doesn't mean nobody likes me."
Why is taking a break sometimes helpful when you are upset?
It gives your mind and body time to calm down so you can make better choices.
What could happen if someone regularly avoids problems instead of dealing with them?
The problem may become bigger, emotions may build up, and the person may have a harder time solving the problem.
What are some clues your body might give you that you are becoming upset or overwhelmed?
Tight muscles, fast heartbeat, feeling hot, shaky hands, sweating, or feeling restless.
You are overwhelmed by everything happening in class. What is a healthy way to communicate that you need help?
Tell the teacher or staff member, "I'm feeling overwhelmed and need a break/help."
You are getting really frustrated with an assignment and want to give up. What coping skill could you use?
Take a short break, ask for help, use positive self-talk, or break the assignment into smaller steps.
Name three healthy coping skills you can use when you are having a difficult day.
Examples include deep breathing, walking, drawing, journaling, listening to music, talking to someone, exercising, or using positive self-talk.
You feel angry and want to say something hurtful to someone. What could you do instead of reacting?
Pause, take deep breaths, take a break, use positive self-talk, or talk to a trusted adult.
Why is it important to name and identify your emotions?
It can help you understand what you need and choose an appropriate coping skill instead of reacting impulsively.
You had a difficult day yesterday and are worried it will happen again today. What can you do differently?
Identify what triggered the problem, choose a coping skill ahead of time, and make a plan for how to respond differently.
You are arguing with a peer and notice your anger getting stronger. What should you do?
Pause the conversation, use a coping skill, and seek adult support if needed.