Understanding Stress and Coping Mechanisms

What is stress?

• A feeling of happiness

• A feeling of boredom

• A feeling of having too much to handle

• A feeling of excitement

Which of the following is NOT a physical symptom of stress?

• Pounding heartbeat

• Headaches

• Sweating

• Feeling energetic

How can stress affect your mind?

• It can make you feel more relaxed

• It can make you more focused

• It can make you more creative

• It can make you forgetful and disorganized

Which of the following is a common stressor for kids and teens?

• Going on vacation

• Getting a new brother or sister

• Winning a game

• Eating ice cream

What should you focus on to manage stress effectively?

• Things that are easy

• Things that make you happy

• Things you can control

• Things you can't control

Why is it important to manage your time when feeling stressed?

• To have more time for fun

• To avoid feeling overwhelmed

• To get more sleep

• To impress your friends

How can taking care of your body help with stress?

• It can make you avoid exercise

• It can make you eat more

• It can make you more tired

• It can improve your mood

What is a good way to challenge negative thoughts when stressed?

• Ignore them

• Complain to friends

• Watch TV

• Use positive self-talk

If you find yourself stressed out in middle school, how will you cope with the stress?

How do you cope with stress now and what do you think you will change to improve how you handle stress?