Abby Steffan- School Social Worker - Mental Health Tools & Skills

Everyone feels big emotions sometimes—and that’s okay! This page shares simple, healthy ways to cope with anxiety, sadness, or anger at school and at home.

Scroll down to see pictures and examples of strategies you can try!

Healthy Coping Strategies for Mental Health

Everyday Support

~ Deep breathing

~ Take a walk

~ Journal

~ Listen to calming music

~ Get enough sleep

Coping with Anxiety

~ Grounding technique

~ Stretch or do yoga

~ Use fidgets

~ Meditation

Coping with Anger

~ Count to 10 slowly

~ Squeeze a stress ball or pillow

~ Talk space and time: walk away, return when calm

~ Use words: "I feel" statements

Coping with Sadness

~ Talk to someone

~ Write or draw how you feel

~ It is okay to cry

~ Participate in an activity you enjoy

"Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren't always comfortable, but they're never weakness."

~ Brene Brown

Emotional Learning Videos for Kids

Two programs I love using with students are A Little Spot of Feelings and The Zones of Regulation.

A Little Spot of Feelings uses colorful characters to help children recognize and talk about emotions in a fun and age-appropriate way.

The Zones of Regulation teaches kids to understand their feelings using four color-coded zones and helps them choose tools to manage their emotions and behavior.

These videos support social-emotional growth and can be great tools to use at home too!

Try these printable tools/worksheets at home to support your child’s emotional growth.

Indented for elementary-aged students:

Daily Emotions Check-In

Dealing with Feelings Emotion Exercise

Emotion Thermometers

Where Do I Feel Emotions

How I Feel

My Fears

Anger Warning Signs

Indented for junior/senior high students:

Who am I Identity Exploration Exercise

Safety Plan

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