Emotions 101
What emotion do you feel when your heart races and your stomach feels tight?
-Anxiety
-Nervous
Name one healthy coping skill
-music
-breathing
-drawing/journaling
Any answer that you use for a coping skill is correct. Find the skill that aids you, and take some new ones for your toolbox if needed!
True or False — Avoiding problems makes them go away.
What is false?
What’s one way to calm your body when stressed?
Deep breathing, stretching, or walking.
You’re nervous before a big test. What coping skill can you use?
Positive self-talk or deep breathing.
True or False- It's bad to feel angry?
What is false? All emotions are valid; how we express them is what matters!
What's one benefit of talking to a trusted person?
-support
-relief
-advice
-view a different perspective
Name one unhealthy coping behavior.
Yelling, substance use, self-isolation, skipping school, or hurting others.
How much sleep do most teens need each night?
About 8–10 hours.
You argued with a friend. What’s a healthy next step?
Take space, calm down, and talk it out respectfully.
What emotion might you feel when something unfair happens to you or someone you care about?
-Anger or frustration
-Sadness or confusion
What coping skill can help you calm your body when in a tense moment?
Grounding
Mindfulness
Breathing/ slow breathing/box breathing/grounding techniques
Why is bottling up emotions unhealthy?
They build up and can lead to outbursts, anxiety, or depression.
What is self-care?
Taking time to care for your physical, emotional, and mental health.
You’re overwhelmed with homework. What should you do first?
Make a plan, prioritize tasks, and take short breaks.
What are two physical signs that show someone is feeling sad?
-Tearfulness/crying
-low energy
-quiet
-slumped posture/sluggish
-avoiding eye contact/ distant
What’s a healthy way to express anger?
Talking calmly, taking space, or physical activity like walking or sports.
What might happen if someone uses drugs or alcohol to cope?
It can make problems worse and lead to dependence or more stress.
What’s one self-care activity that doesn’t cost money?
Going for a walk, drawing, listening to music, talking to a friend, meditating.
Someone says something hurtful online. What’s a healthy response?
Step away, don’t retaliate, and tell a trusted adult.
Why is it essential to name your feelings instead of ignoring them?
Naming your emotion helps you to understand and manage instead of being controlled!
-identifying trigger
-calling it out
-managing the trigger
-being aware
Any answer is correct, you know yourself best!
Why should coping skills be practiced regularly, not just during a crisis?
So they become habits and are easier to use when stress hits.
How can you replace an unhealthy coping skill with a healthy one?
Notice the trigger, pause, and choose a positive action (deep breath, talk to someone, journal, etc.).
Why is balance important between work, school, and rest?
Too much stress without rest can cause burnout or emotional exhaustion.
You notice a friend seems sad and withdrawn. What could you do?
Check in with them, listen, and encourage them to talk to a counselor.