Life Skills: The science of feelings

First, remember that the best way to cope with a difficult situation or feeling is by talking to someone you trust. Consider opening up to a close friend, a parent, a sibling, a teacher, a counselor, etc.  

Your peers have brainstormed a lot of ways to positively cope with some of these situations and feelings. Here are some more you may not have thought of:

1. Coping with Anxiety

   • Do a calming activity (Read, draw, talk with a friend, cook, etc)

   • Set realistic goals or prioritize checklists to help you get through the stressful task(s)

   • If possible, eliminate or change the source of anxiety

   • Meditation, yoga, peaceful visualizations

   • If possible, avoid behaviors that increase anxiety, such as procrastination or poor study skills

2. Coping with Anger

   • Take it out on an inanimate object (pillow, soccer ball, pencils, etc)

   • Deep breathing

   • Count from 1-10

   • Take a cold shower (cool the body)

   • Exercise

   • Vent (tell someone, write it down, draw it out, etc)

3. Coping with Sadness

   • Cry

   • Spend time with someone that makes you happy

   • Join a support group that lets you talk about it

   • Find hobbies that bring you creativity & joy

   • Art, journaling, etc

   • Volunteer your time helping others or animals

There are also a lot of ways to can cope with feelings brought up by violence in schools. Here are some of them:

• Talk about it!

• Join a club or political organization; get active

• Peaceful protest or walkout

• Run for an office to express your opinions

• Make artwork or posters denouncing gun violence in school

• Write, journal, or draw your thoughts and feelings

Below is a Letter Template you can use to draft your letter.