Deep Dive – Avoid
This “A” involves staying away from situations or people that increase stress.
What is Avoid?
This “A” involves acknowledging stressors you cannot change.
What is Accept?
Adaptation often involves this type of therapy skill that changes how you think about stress.
What is cognitive reframing / CBT thought restructuring?
This “A” involves directly changing the situation that causes stress
What is Alter?
What we caught we got rid of; what we couldn't catch, we had to keep. what did we catch?
Lice
Example: If scrolling social media makes you anxious, you could do this.
What is limit or avoid social media?
Name one healthy coping skill you can use when practicing acceptance.
What is deep breathing, journaling, mindfulness, etc.?
You fail a job interview. Instead of thinking “I’m worthless,” you reframe it as “This was practice for the right opportunity.” Which “A” is this?
What is Adapt?
Alter means changing the situation. What is one way you could alter a stressful morning routine?
What is preparing the night before, setting alarms earlier, delegating tasks, etc.
I can be quick and then I'm deadly, I am a rock, shell, and bone medley. If I was made into a man, I'd make people dream. I gather in millions by ocean, sea, stream. What am I
Sand
Avoiding every stressor can backfire. Name one risk of avoiding too much
What is isolation, missed opportunities, or ignoring problems?
True or False: Acceptance means you have to like the situation.
What is False?
True or False: Adapting means you always have to change your situation.
What is False (it’s about adjusting mindset)?
Name one communication skill you could use to alter a stressful situation
What is assertiveness, “I” statements, active listening, etc.?
I have many keys but never opened a door. What am I
Piano
Give one personal example of how you could use Avoid in your own life.
example
You can’t control the weather on vacation, but you can control your response. Which “A” is this, and how could you respond?
What is Accept; by enjoying indoor activities, practicing flexibility, etc.
Research shows people who adapt well often practice this mindset shift involving gratitude or perspective-taking.
What is practicing gratitude or looking at the bigger picture?
Example: Asking your boss to adjust your schedule is which “A”?
What is Alter?
Four fingers and a thumb, yet flesh and blood, I have none. What am I?
a glove
Avoidance can be helpful when preventing unnecessary stress. Name one example of healthy avoidance.
What is saying no to extra responsibilities / limiting time on social media / staying away from toxic people?
Waiting in traffic is frustrating. Which “A” could help?
What is Accept?
Choose one current stressor and reframe it right now using adaptation
(example: “I’m stuck at home” → “I get time to recharge”).
True or False: Alter always means removing stress completely.
What is False (it means improving/manageable change)?
what has two hands but no fingers
a clock