What is Stress
Stress is never good for us....
True or False
False
Stress is a normal part of life and can have a positive impact--motivation, creativity,
Kids your age don't have any stress
True or False
False
Everyone experiences stress-its a normal part of life
What were the animals in the "Hooked on Stress Video"
Fish
What is an example of a worry kids your age might have?
Relationships (friends, family)
Homework or Tests
Being left out or not included
Conflict with people we care about
Anything!
Small problems can sometimes turn into bigger problems
True or False
TRUE
That's why problem solving is helpful
Where might you feel stress in your body?
-Head (headache, can't think, unhelpful thoughts)
-Stomach (stomach ache, butterflies in your stomach)
-Chest (heart racing, breathing fast)
-Other examples
Stress can be anything that:
a.) Challenges us
b.) Scares us
c.) Worries us
d.) All of the above
D
All of the above
How did the "smart" or "wise" fish react differently than the fish that was hooked?
The smart fish, paused and didn't take the bait
Sometimes we don't always know what's bothering us, but we might just feel "off"
True or False
True
Sometimes we might not feel right, but we don't always know what our worry or fear is...
Talking might help or distractions
How did we define the word "Problem"
A situation to be solved
What is an example of a stressor kids your age might experience?
-Friendships
-Family relationships
-Stress related to grades (tests, homework)
Stress can be REAL or Imagined
True or False
True
If we let the stress get to us, we might say or do something we will regret later
True or False
True
Big emotions often cause us to say or do things that we wouldn't normally do or might regret
Explain why a "worry envelope" or a place to "park" our worry might be helpful
-Sometimes we are too upset to deal with the situation and need to calm down
-Sometimes writing the worry out is helpful
-Sometimes we can't deal with the situation right away
-It can give us a little break from the worry
Name one part of the puzzle solving steps we discussed
-Stress Buster Strategy (Calming Strategy)
-Breaking the problem down into small pieces
-Thinking about the problem in different ways
-Shifting our thinking
-Possible Solutions
-Asking for help
Stress can be unhealthy
True or False
True
-Too much stress for too long can be unhealthy for our minds and bodies
What stresses people out is different from one person to another
True or False
True
We are all unique-our personal experiences can shape how we manage our stress or what situations might be more challenging to manage
Why is it important to recognize our own "stress triggers"
-If we can recognize situations our own triggers, it can help us think about a plan and strategies to help us manage our stress better
What question doesn't belong....?
1.) What am I worried about?
2.) What is the worst or best thing that could happen?
3.) What will people think?
4.) Who can I ask for help or talk to, about this?
Number 3.) What will people think?
3.) What can I do about this problem?
What is the circle of control?
A thinking strategy to help us recognize the thing we can control and the things that are out of our control
Give an example of a healthy coping strategy to help us manage our stress better
Talking to a supportive adult
Calming strategies-finger breathing, square breathing
Taking a break, walk, drink, body break
Positive self-talk
Why is it important to understand what stress feels like in our body?
It can help us understand what is happening (that we are experiencing stress and take ACTION to deal with stress (use a strategy)
What can you do if someone is "bugging you" (instead of reacting in the moment)
-take a deep breath
-walk away
-ignore
-Ask someone for help
Why do you think writing, talking to supportive adults or using the guiding questions can be helpful strategies?
-Sometimes writing things down can help us understand what's bothering us
-Writing can help us get our thoughts and feelings out
-Talking can help us think about the situation differently--it might not be a big a problem as we thought
-It can help us think of solutions
Mrs. Gallant enjoyed spending time with your class?
True or False
TRUE
Thank-you for having me in your class!! Thank-you for participating in KHST!!