Feelings & Emotions
What’s the difference between a feeling and an emotion?
Emotions are automatic bodily reactions; feelings are our awareness or interpretation of those emotions.
What is a coping skill?
A strategy or action that helps you deal with stress, emotions, or challenges.
What is mindfulness?
Paying attention to the present moment without judgment.
What is an emotional trigger?
Something that causes a strong emotional reaction.
You got a lower grade than expected. What’s one healthy way to respond?
Talk to the teacher, reflect on study habits, or use positive self-talk.
Name one physical sign that shows you might be feeling angry.
Clenched fists, tense muscles, faster heartbeat, or raised voice.
Name one healthy coping skill for stress.
Deep breathing, journaling, talking to someone, exercising, listening to music.
Name one breathing technique that helps calm your body.
Box breathing, 4–7–8 breathing, belly breathing, or slow deep breaths.
Name one common emotional trigger.
Feeling disrespected, being left out, criticism, or failure.
Your friend cancels plans last minute and you feel really upset. What could you do instead of lashing out?
Take a breath, ask why calmly, and express feelings respectfully.
What does it mean to “name it to tame it”?
Identifying your emotion helps you manage and calm it.
What’s an example of an unhealthy coping skill?
Avoiding problems, using substances, lashing out, or isolating yourself.
What are two benefits of practicing mindfulness regularly?
Less stress, better focus, improved mood, better self-awareness.
What happens in your body when you’re “triggered”?
Fight, flight, or freeze response — heart races, muscles tense, adrenaline rises.
You’re nervous about an upcoming event. Name a coping skill that can help.
Visualization, deep breathing, positive affirmations, or stretching.
Give an example of a mixed emotion — feeling two things at once.
Excited and nervous before a performance; happy and sad at graduation
Why is it important to have more than one coping strategy?
Because different situations require different strategies; one size doesn’t fit all.
What’s a grounding technique you can use when feeling anxious?
5-4-3-2-1 method (5 things you see, 4 touch, 3 hear, 2 smell, 1 taste).
How can recognizing your triggers help you regulate emotions?
You can prepare and use coping strategies before reacting negatively.
Someone posts something negative about you online. What’s a regulated way to handle it?
Step away before responding, talk to a trusted adult, report it if needed.
Why is it important to recognize emotions early before they escalate?
Because early awareness helps prevent overreactions and supports healthy coping.
You’ve had a really hard day. What are three steps you could take to calm down and reset?
Identify your feeling, use a coping skill (deep breaths, walk, talk it out), and reflect before reacting.
How can mindfulness help with emotional regulation?
It helps you notice emotions without reacting impulsively, allowing better control and choices.
Describe a situation when you felt triggered — how could you respond differently next time?
Thank you for sharing!
You feel overwhelmed balancing school, work, friends, and home life. How could you manage your stress effectively?
Prioritize tasks, set boundaries, use time management, and schedule self-care.