Fun Facts
What process turns a caterpillar into a butterfly?
Metamorphosis
Some stress is good
True. Some stress can motivate you to work hard and do your best. Too much stress can become overwhelming and affect your sleep, eating, and ability to focus.
What is mental and emotional health?
A state of mental well-being, being able to cope with stress, how we think, how we act, how we feel.
I can do this, I've got this, I did my best.
How can music help you before or after a race?
Pump you up/build confidence, distract from worry thoughts, help you feel calm
Which country is colder: Greenland or Iceland?
Greenland
It is easy to control feelings
False. Our feelings can become big and overwhelming, making it difficult to control them at times.
What emotion is similar to a smoke alarm?
Anxiety
Identifying good things about your day is a coping strategy known as...?
Gratitude
What is an example of a breathing strategy?
Box breathing, square breathing, figure 8 breathing, rainbow breathing, balloon breathing, lion's pose
A triathlon is a race that combines three events: running, swimming, and...?
Biking
Everyone should use the same coping strategies.
False. Different coping strategies work for different people. Find the one(s) that work best for you!
What are some clues that you are feeling stressed and/or anxious?
Butterflies/knots in your stomach, difficulty focusing, breathing and heart rate is faster, racing worry thoughts.
What is one strategy to help fall asleep at night?
Imaging how your race could go, how you want it to go, and how you don't want it to go, is an example of what strategy?
Visualization
What tree's leaf is on the Canadian flag?
The maple leaf
Stress at home or at school should not affect your swimming performance.
False. It's really natural for other stresses to affect your swimming performance. You can use strategies to help stay in the present and focus on swimming while you're at the pool.
What is something you can do to help a friend who is struggling with feeling stressed, anxious, or sad?
Listen to them, encourage them to talk to a supportive adult, teach them a strategy you use when feeling that way, let them know about counselling.
True or False? Crying is good for your mental health.
True. Crying is an important way for you to release your emotions and feel better. Crying releases oxytocin and endorphins - both responsible for making you feel good. Crying also lowers stress levels by removing cortisol (stress hormone).
What is something you can do if you're having an anxiety attack?
Breathe, find someone for support, 54321 grounding strategy, get a drink of water, reassure yourself that you're okay
What three ice cream flavours make up Neopolitan ice cream?
Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry
Looking after your mind before and after swim meets is just as important as looking after your body.
True. It is important to pay attention to how you're feeling and what you're thinking, and to know what you can do to feel better.
Why don't some people talk about feeling sad, hurt, frustrated, or worried?
Hard to share those vulnerable feelings, worried about being judged or seen as weak/not strong.
Why is breathing an important coping strategy?
Calms your nervous system, makes you feel more relaxed and calm, helps you think clearly again, decreases stress and anxiety.
Who can you talk to if you are having a hard time?
Parents/family, coaches, teachers, mental health counsellours, Kids Help Phone