• Begin with a brief discussion or quick write-up: "What's one 'superpower' you've used to handle a tricky emotion?" (Connects to prior learning of coping skills).
  - Briefly review key concepts from previous lessons on anxiety and coping mechanisms (e.g., deep breathing, mindfulness, exercise).

• Introduce the lesson's goal: creating a personal anxiety action plan.
  - Emphasize that knowing about coping skills is great, but having a plan for when and how to use them is even better. Use the Living Your Plan Slide Deck slides 1-2.

• Use the Living Your Plan Slide Deck slides 3-5 to discuss triggers (external events/situations) and early warning signs (internal physical/emotional sensations).
  - Guide students to brainstorm common triggers for their age group (e.g., tests, social situations, presentations) and warning signs (e.g., racing heart, worried thoughts, stomach ache).
  - Distribute the "My Anxiety Action Plan" Project Template and instruct students to begin filling out the 'My Triggers' and 'My Warning Signs' sections.

• Transition to proactive strategies using Living Your Plan Slide Deck slides 6-8.
  - Guide students to identify 3-5 personal coping skills they can use when they notice warning signs (referencing prior lessons if needed). Students will add these to their "My Anxiety Action Plan" Project Template.
  - Introduce the concept of a

Welcome, Planners!
Welcome, students! Today, we're taking our mental wellness to the next level. We've talked about understanding our emotions and learning coping skills. Today, we're going to put it all together into a practical tool: your very own Anxiety Action Plan. Think of it as your personal roadmap to feeling calmer and more in control. We're not just learning about it, we're living it!

More than just coping, it's about proactive living.
An Anxiety Action Plan is a personal strategy designed to help you recognize when anxiety is building up and what steps you can take to manage it. It's about being prepared, not waiting for anxiety to overwhelm you. This isn't just for big moments; it's for everyday life. It helps you:
- Identify Your Triggers: What situations or thoughts usually spark your anxiety?
- Spot Your Warning Signs: How does your body and mind tell you anxiety is starting?
- Use Your Coping Skills: What actions can you take to feel better?
- Know Your Support System: Who can you reach out to for help?

Because being prepared makes you powerful.
Having a plan gives you a sense of control. Instead of feeling helpless when anxiety strikes, you'll have a guide. It's like having a fire drill for your emotions – you practice what to do before the emergency so you're ready when it happens. This helps you to:
- Reduce Stress: Less uncertainty about how to react.
- Build Resilience: You learn that you can handle tough feelings.
- Improve Well-being: More calm, less worry, more focus on what matters.

Your Guide to Building Your Plan
Today, you'll start creating your own personalized "My Anxiety Action Plan" Project Template. This template will walk you through each step. We'll focus on these key areas:
1. My Triggers: What sets off your anxiety?
2. My Warning Signs: How do I know anxiety is starting?
3. My Coping Skills: What can I do to feel better?
4. My Support System: Who can I talk to or get help from?
We'll be working on sections 1 and 2 first. Take your time, think deeply, and be honest with yourself. There are no right or wrong answers, only your answers.

What lights the fuse?
A trigger is anything that can cause your anxiety to increase. They can be situations, places, people, or even certain thoughts. Recognizing your triggers is the first step in managing your anxiety. It allows you to anticipate and prepare.
Common Triggers for Teens:
- Academic: Tests, presentations, homework load.
- Social: Group projects, meeting new people, peer pressure.
- Family: Conflicts at home, changes in routine.
- Personal: Self-doubt, worrying about the future.

Activity: On your "My Anxiety Action Plan" Project Template, list 3-5 of your personal triggers. Think about times you've felt anxious and what was happening just before.

What does anxiety feel like for you?
Your body and mind often send signals before anxiety becomes overwhelming. These are your early warning signs. Learning to notice them is crucial because it gives you a chance to use your coping skills before things get too intense.
Common Warning Signs:
- Physical: Fast heartbeat, sweaty palms, stomach ache, tense muscles.
- Emotional: Irritability, feeling restless, difficulty concentrating, feeling overwhelmed.
- Behavioral: Avoiding tasks, fidgeting, withdrawing from friends.

Activity: On your "My Anxiety Action Plan" Project Template, list 3-5 of your early warning signs. How do you know when anxiety is starting to creep in?

Daily habits for a calmer you.
An action plan isn't just for when anxiety hits; it's also about building daily habits that promote overall wellness and can prevent anxiety from becoming too strong.
Proactive Strategies:
- Regular Exercise: Even a short walk can clear your head.
- Healthy Eating: Fuel your body and mind.
- Enough Sleep: Crucial for emotional regulation.
- Mindfulness/Meditation: Practice being present.
- Hobbies/Fun: Make time for joy and relaxation.

Activity: Brainstorm one new proactive wellness habit you could try to incorporate into your week. Add it to your "My Anxiety Action Plan" Project Template.

You don't have to do it alone.
Even with a great plan and coping skills, there will be times you need to reach out. Your circle of support includes trusted people who you can talk to, who will listen, and who can offer guidance or comfort.
Who's in Your Circle?
- Family Members: Parents, guardians, siblings, aunts/uncles.
- Teachers/Counselors: Adults at school who care about you.
- Friends: Trusted peers who understand.
- Other Adults: Coaches, mentors, religious leaders.

Activity: Complete the My Circle of Support Worksheet. Think about at least three people you can trust and how you would reach out to them.

Your plan, your power!
Today, you've started building a powerful tool. Your anxiety action plan is a living document – you can always add to it and change it as you learn more about yourself.
Key Takeaways:
- Be Proactive: Don't wait for anxiety to take over.
- Practice Your Skills: The more you use them, the easier they become.
- Reach Out: It's a sign of strength to ask for help.

Keep your "My Anxiety Action Plan" Project Template somewhere safe where you can refer to it. Remember, living your plan is about taking small, consistent steps towards a calmer, more confident you!

Any questions?
- What was one new thing you learned or realized about managing your anxiety today?
- What's one step you'll take this week to use your plan or a coping skill?
Thank you for your hard work today! Remember, I'm here to support you.