Brain & Body
True or false: the anxiety alarm is your body's way of telling you there is danger.
It's true!
True or False: Reframing is the process of turning a negative thought into a more positive one.
True!
What is a flight reaction to the following:
You have to present in front of the class.
Running away or avoiding the presentation
True or False: Mindfulness is about focusing on the past.
False it's about paying attention to the present moment.
Name one of the steps of problem-solving.
1. Identify the problem
2. Possible solutions
3. Pick the best solution
4. Reflection on the solution, did it work?
Where do we feel anxiety in our bodies?
It's different for everyone but some examples include...
Sweating, fast heart rate, shaking, feeling nauseous and quickened breath
Does having negative thoughts impact our mood?
Yes! Our thoughts have a huge influence on mood and our feelings.
What is the freeze reaction to the following:
Your teacher calling on you in class, but you don't know the answer.
Not saying or doing anything.
What is the 5-4-3-2-1 technique?
A grounding technique: 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste.
What should you do if the solution to your problem doesn't work?
You revisit your other solutions and try another one.
What part of the brain do we use when we're anxious?
We use our emotional brain
Reframe this thought:
I'm sad that I don't have many friends. People must not like me.
I have some friends, so I know I can make more.
What is the fight reaction to the following:
You are being bullied at school.
Engaging with the bully (could be verbally or physically).
Find a square around you and breathe in for 4 seconds for each side of the square.
What are some of the solutions for the following problem:
Your best friend has a new toy that you really like. You ask to see it and they say no.
Some solutions may be:
1. Playing with a different toy
2. Keep asking until they give it to you
3. Talk to the teacher
What is the emotional part of the brain called?
The amygdala
Reframe this thought:
This task is impossible. I can't do it.
I'm going to take a break and try again later.
What is a freeze response to the following:
You get scared of a big dog in the park.
Not doing anything because you're overwhelmed.
What are some ways we can relax the body?
Deep breathing, meditation, imagery & more
Let's say you are getting bullied at school... what is the best solution to this problem?
a) Argue with the bully
b) Ignore the bully
c) Talk to a teacher
d) Talk to your parent
The best solution.... is up to your judgment! (everything but "a" is right!)
Fill in the blanks:
Our brain is full of thoughts, and those thoughts are connected to our _______ and _________.
Feelings and behaviours.
Reframe this thought:
I'm a failure.
I'm learning and doing my best.
What is a flight response to the following:
Your teacher asks for the homework, but you forgot to do it.
Avoid class to begin with or look for an opportunity to leave.
Can exercise be a coping strategy?
Yes! Moving your body is a great way to lessen anxiety.
What are some solutions for the following problem?
You asked your parents if you could have a friend over this weekend and they said no. Now, you're mad.
Some solutions could be...
1) Accept it and move on
2) Be angry with your parents
3) Let your friend come over anyway