Identifying triggers for stress Discuss coping and relaxation skills Importance of good sleep, exercise and nutrition Depression/Anxiety Developing a list of supports (your “Go to people”) Ways to help our friends who are struggling

 A physical, chemical or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension  Good Stress- Before a test or competition motivates us to do well.  Bad Stress- Warns us that something is off balance or unhealthy.

 School work/Academic Performance  Sports  Family changes- Divorce, Loss, death  Friendships  Health  Lack of fun  Feeling Alone  Disrespect  What are your triggers?

 It’s ok, everyone experiences stress ◦ You are not alone!  There are safe ways to deal with stress  Stress can be good (motivating)  When Stress makes you feel bad (stomach aches, extreme worry, not feeling well mentally and/or physically) for a long time (every day for a week, on and off over two weeks)… Ask for help  Make sure you have your Who I CAN Go To List ready!

 Exercise- run, play sports, yoga, go to the gym  Relax ◦ Deep breathing (blue square, triangle breathing, count to 10), ◦ take a nap/ lay on the couch ◦ sit in the sun ◦ watch a happy movie or television show ◦ listen to music ◦ read something fun ◦ Meditate ◦ read an inspirational book/poems/bible  Get to bed early (8 hours of sleep)  Talk to a friend or adult you trust in order to vent or get advice  Do something fun ◦ Paint ◦ Draw ◦ play guitar ◦ visit a friend ◦ play video games/I pad games ◦ prepare a fun meal/snack

 Use “fidget toys”  Break down your task into pieces ◦ Don’t overwhelm yourself and think you have to get it done all at once  Make a plan on paper  Interact with a pet/ animal  Go for a walk outside  Give yourself time to sit quietly and think  Think positive thoughts ◦ change muddy thoughts to clear thoughts  Ask for help!

Home  Mom, Dad, Brothers, Sisters, Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, Neighbors, Close Family Friends Community  Coaches, Leaders of boy scouts or girl scouts, Dance Teachers, Sunday School Teachers, Second Language School Teachers School  Teachers, Principal, LMC, School Secretaries, Nurse, Reading Teachers, Kasper staff, OT, PT, Speech, SW, Psych. Gym Teacher, Art Teacher, Music Teacher, bus driver!

 Encourage them to talk about their feelings  Be understanding and supportive  Remind your friends there are safe ways to deal with their stress  Know that there is a limit to what you can do Sometimes your friend needs to talk to an adult or a professional  Encourage your friend to talk to an adult if they are feeling unsafe or stressed for more than a few days  If you are scared your friend is being unsafe, or is going to be unsafe… tell an adult!!