Coping Skills Handout

This handout is designed to help you understand and remember different coping skills that can be used to manage stress. Read through the definitions and examples below, and then complete the activities to reflect on how these skills might help you in your daily life.

Section 1: Understanding Stress and Coping Skills

1. What does the term "stress" mean to you? Describe in your own words:
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. List two physical and two emotional effects of stress that you have experienced or observed:
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Define coping skills. Why do you think they are important?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Section 2: Types of Coping Skills

A. Short-Term Coping Skills

Short-term coping skills help manage feelings immediately. Examples include deep breathing, counting slowly, or taking a short walk.

4. List two short-term coping skills you might use in a stressful situation:
   
   
   
   
   
   

B. Long-Term Coping Skills

Long-term coping skills contribute to overall well-being over time. Examples include regular exercise, engaging in hobbies, or maintaining a balanced routine.

5. Write down two long-term coping skills you think could help you manage ongoing stress:
   
   
   
   
   
   

Section 3: Applying Coping Skills

6. Imagine you are in a stressful situation at school. Which short-term coping skill would you choose to use immediately and why?
   
   
   
   
   
   

7. Reflect on one long-term coping skill discussed above. How can you integrate this habit into your weekly routine to improve your overall well-being?
   
   
   
   
   
   

8. After practicing some of these coping skills, what changes do you notice in how you feel? Explain your experience or expected outcomes.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Feel free to refer back to the Mind Matters: Coping Skills slide deck and the lesson discussions to help guide your responses.

Stress Management Activity Guide

This guide is designed to help you facilitate a group discussion on common coping strategies. Use these prompts and instructions to explore different techniques for managing stress, both in the short term and long term.

Instructions for Group Activity

1. Form Small Groups

   • Divide the class into groups of 3-4 students to ensure everyone can participate.

2. Discussion Prompts

   • What is Stress?: Begin by discussing in your group what stress means in your own words. Share real-life examples of situations that can cause stress.
     
     
     
     
     
     

   • Physical and Emotional Effects: Identify two physical effects (e.g., headaches, stomach ache) and two emotional effects (e.g., anxiety, sadness) of stress that you or someone you know has experienced.
     
     
     
     
     
     

   • Coping Skills Brainstorm: List down various coping strategies you know. Consider both:

     • Short-Term: Techniques that help manage stress immediately (e.g., deep breathing, counting, taking a walk).
     • Long-Term: Strategies that help you manage stress over time (e.g., regular exercise, hobbies, maintaining a balanced routine).
       
       
       
       
       
       

3. Group Activity Tasks

   • Task 1: Create a list of at least three short-term coping strategies and explain why they might be effective in a stressful situation.
     
     
     
     
     
     

   • Task 2: Create a list of at least three long-term coping strategies. Discuss as a group how these strategies can be integrated into daily life to foster long-term well-being.
     
     
     
     
     
     

   • Task 3: Choose one coping skill from each category. Each group member should share a personal story or a situation where that specific coping skill could be or has been helpful.
     
     
     
     
     
     

4. Share and Reflect

   • After your small group discussion, prepare to share your group’s top two coping strategies with the class.
   • As a class, reflect on the following questions:
     • Which coping strategies do you think are the most effective and why?
     • How can you apply these coping skills in your everyday life?

Follow-Up Questions and Prompts

• Reflection Question: Which coping strategy do you feel most comfortable trying this week? Why do you think it might work for you?
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Application Prompt: Think about a recent stressful situation. Can you identify a moment where a coping skill might have helped? If so, which one and how?
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Discussion Prompt: How do you feel after talking about your stress and coping strategies with your peers?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Use this guide to facilitate an open and supportive discussion about managing stress and using coping skills effectively. Encourage everyone to listen actively and share their thoughts respectfully.