" Don't believe everything you think." - Unknown

Coping Strategies:

• Deep Breathing

• Metaphors for Unhelpful Thinking

• Yoga

• Count to 10

• Read a Book

• Take Positive Steps

• Gratitude Journals

• Positive Affirmations

Grounding Techniques:

Why does grounding work? When we begin to think about something that causes us stress, our amygdala (a part of our brain) goes into action. Our amygdala is the safety center of our brain, which is responsible for our emotional responses, especially fear. Our amygdala is designed to keep us safe, but sometimes it detects a threat when there really isn't one. This can trigger an anxiety response. Grounding techniques help to interrupt this response by re-focusing on your body and centering you in the present moment.

• 5,4,3,2,1

• Grounding Chair

• As Strong As Tree

• ABC's Around the Room (Look around the room and find an object that begin's with each letter of the alphabet in order. See how far you can go).

Mindfulness:

Mindfulness means giving your full attention to something. It is about slowing down to really notice what you're doing. It means heightening your awareness of specific details and filtering out any other distractions. When you're mindful, you are taking your time and focusing in a relaxed, easy way.

• Guided Meditation

• Progressive Muscle Relaxation