We will identify specific coping strategies. 

We will practice a variety of coping strategies.

Coping Strategies: The activities and skills we use to help calm our bodies and minds while managing stress. 

Think of a time you were really angry.  Imagine if someone said "Calm down!" to you. Of course, just saying "calm down" doesn't actually calm anyone.  In fact, it might even make you feel more angry in that moment.  This lesson is going to target skills for how to clam down when you're emotionally overwhelmed using coping strategies.  This might be when you're angry, sad, nervous or any other emotion.

Print assignment 2.9 below and highlight or circle the coping strategies that might work for you. Turn hard copy in to me and submit on Slate. 

One of the most powerful coping strategies is positive self-talk. That's because it gives you the power to change your thinking, improve your mood, and is something you can do anywhere.  

An example of positive talk might be "Today is going to be a great day." Just saying those words to yourself, either out loud or in your head, can help change the trajectory of your day.  

Journal writing is a healthy way to express your emotions in a private way.  This strategy can be done almost anytime and anywhere if you keep a journal with you.  It can hep clear your mind and problem-solve.

Listening to music can help you calm down, improve your mood, and just feel better! You can listen to music at home in your room, on the bus with headphones, and many more places. 

Coloring is a calming activity that can promote mindfulness.  All you need is a coloring book or page and some coloring utensils.

For your next assignment, you have three options to practice a coping strategy.

• Write a journal entry and share it with me.  Must be at least 5 sentences and include correct punctuation and capitalization. 

• Create a playlist of songs you could listen to when you're trying to cope with something.  Must have at least 10 songs. 

• Find a school appropriate picture to color. Print, color, and show me before submitting in Slate.