Active Listening
What are two things you can do to show someone you’re listening?
Nodding, eye contact, paraphrasing, saying “I hear you.”
What does crossing your arms often communicate?
Defensiveness, closed-off attitude, discomfort.
What’s one sign that a personal boundary is being crossed?
Feeling anxious, resentful, uncomfortable, or drained.
True or False: Spending time in nature lowers stress.
True. Studies show reduced cortisol and anxiety levels.
What is empathy?
Understanding and sharing another person’s feelings.
What’s the difference between listening and hearing?
Hearing is physical; listening is active understanding.
How can someone tell if you’re engaged in a conversation nonverbally?
Eye contact, facing them, leaning slightly forward, relaxed body.
What’s an example of an assertive statement?
“I feel overwhelmed when plans change last minute. Can we plan ahead next time?”
What vitamin do we get from sunlight that helps mood and bone health?
Vitamin D.
How is empathy different from sympathy?
Empathy = feeling with someone; sympathy = feeling for someone.
Name one thing that can get in the way of listening well.
Thinking of what to say next, distractions, assumptions, interrupting.
What does “tone” communicate that words alone can’t?
Emotion, intent, sincerity, confidence.
What’s the difference between assertive and aggressive communication?
Assertive respects both people’s needs; aggressive dismisses others’.
Research shows that spending how many minutes in nature per week improves wellbeing?
120 minutes
What’s one way to show empathy in a conversation?
Saying “That sounds really hard” or “I can see why you’d feel that way.”
What is reflective listening, and why is it helpful?
Restating what someone said to confirm understanding and build trust.
Give an example of a mismatch between body language and words.
Saying “I’m fine” while frowning or avoiding eye contact.
Why is setting boundaries important for healthy relationships?
It maintains respect, reduces resentment, and promotes mutual trust.
How does connecting with nature support emotional regulation?
It grounds attention, reduces rumination, and promotes mindfulness.
Why can misunderstandings happen even with good intentions?
Different experiences, tone, assumptions, or lack of clarity.
You’re in a heated argument. What’s one thing you can do to listen better even if you disagree?
Take a breath, let them finish, ask clarifying questions, summarize before responding.
Why do misunderstandings happen through text messages more often than in person?
Missing nonverbal cues like tone, facial expression, and body posture.
True or False: Saying “no” without overexplaining is a healthy boundary.
True.
What is the fastest bird in the world
peregrine falcon
How can empathy improve mental health and social connection?
Builds trust, reduces loneliness, increases belonging and cooperation.