Baseline Stressors and Emotions Worksheet

Instructions

List at least 3–5 recent situations that felt stressful. For each one, describe what happened, how you felt, and rate your stress level on a scale from 1 (low) to 10 (high). Fill in the table below.

Stress Thermometer Worksheet

Instructions

Using the scale from 1 (lowest stress) to 10 (highest stress), think about what each level feels like or recall a situation when you felt that level of stress. For each level, write a few words or a short description in the space provided.

Stressors Matching Game Cards

Instructions

Cut out each card along the lines. These cards describe situations that might cause stress. After you shuffle them, draw five cards and sort them into Low, Medium, or High stress piles based on how stressful each feels to you.

Cards:

• Misplacing a pencil
• Waiting in line at lunch
• Mild snack not available
• Wearing mismatched socks
• Homework assigned for tomorrow
• Getting a B on an assignment
• Having to ask a question in class
• Being slightly late to class
• Unannounced pop quiz
• Presenting a project to the class
• Getting called to the principal’s office unexpectedly
• Major test affecting your grade

(Once cut out, mix the cards face down. Draw five cards and sort.)

Define Stress Discussion

Purpose

Help the student build a shared understanding of what “stress” means, recognize personal signals of stress, and prepare to identify real‐life stressors.

Discussion Guidelines

• This is a safe, confidential space. There are no wrong answers.
• Speak honestly about your thoughts and feelings.
• I’ll listen actively and may ask follow-up questions to learn more.

Prompts & Follow-Up Questions

1. Opening – "What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘stress’?"
   • Follow-up: "Can you give an example of a time you’ve felt that way?"
2. Body Signals – "How does your body let you know you’re feeling stressed?"
   • Follow-up: "Do you feel anything in your chest, stomach, or head when you’re under stress?"
3. Identify a Stressful Moment – "Think of a recent time you felt stressed. What was happening?"
   • Follow-up: "What part of that situation felt most challenging?"
4. Emotional Reactions – "What emotions do you notice when you’re stressed (e.g., worried, frustrated, upset)?"
   • Follow-up: "Where do you notice these emotions? In your thoughts? Your mood?"
5. Coping Ideas – "When you feel stressed, what helps you calm down or feel a bit better?"
   • Follow-up: "Have you ever tried taking deep breaths, talking to someone, or stepping away for a moment? Which felt most useful?"

Transition to Worksheet

Great discussion! Now let’s put these ideas on paper. We’ll use the Baseline Stressors and Emotions Worksheet to list situations, note how they made you feel, and rate how intense each stressor is.