Feelings
If my friend took my phone without asking, this is probably how I might feel.
Angry, or disappointed
Deep breath through nose, stomach fills with air, hold for a moment, slowly breathe out through mouth
What is the first step in STOP steps?
STOP, and say (or notice) how you feel.
If I miss a friend or family member because they live far away and I can't see them often, I might feel this.
Sad, disappointed, frustrated
Stretching helps relax our bodies and distract us from thoughts or feelings that don't feel go. Show one of your favorite stretches.
Demonstrate any stretch.
What is the second step in STOP steps?
Relax- do something to calm down your body, feelings, and thoughts, when you notice these are bothering you or you have a big feeling.
If I am going on a rollercoaster for the first time, I might feel this.
Scared, worried, excited
Stretching our muscles in our body and relaxing them is another way to relax. "Lemon squeeze" is an easy way to do this. Show how you would do this.
Lemon squeeze- squeeze your hands to make a fist. do this gently and then relax your hands by stretching or shaking them after.
What is the third step in STOP steps?
Think- will my first reaction: 1. Break a rule?, 2. Get me in trouble?, 3. Hurt someone or something (physically or emotionally)?
If I am someone that I do not want to be, I might feel this.
Bored, frustrated, angry
One way to relax or stop and think is to do a positive activity that we know will not break a rule, get us in trouble, or hurt someone or something. What is one of your favorite positive activities?
Any that does not hurt anyone, break a rule, or get anyone in trouble.
What is the fourth step in STOP steps?
Think about a few other options. Put each option through the three questions.
If there is something new and I want to learn more about it, I might feel this way.
Curious, interested, excited, happy
One way to relax is to pay attention to what is around us for a few minutes: Stop for one minute and think about: 1. 5 things you see right now, 2. 4 things you can touch right now, 3. 3 things you can hear right now, 4. 2 things you can smell right now, and 1. 1 thing you like about yourself.
Points if you try this.
What is the last step in STOP steps?
After thinking about a few options of what to do, pick the best option (the one in which you are not breaking a rule, will not get in trouble, and will not hurt someone or something)