Stress Detectives: Scenario Practice

Instructions: Read each scenario with your group. Discuss and write down the answers to the questions below.

Scenario 1: The Big Test Jitters

Maya has a big math test tomorrow. Last night, she had trouble falling asleep and felt her stomach doing flip-flops this morning. During breakfast, she snapped at her little brother for humming. Now, in class, she keeps tapping her pencil and can't seem to focus on what the teacher is saying.

1. What are Maya's early stress signs? (Think about her body, mind, and actions)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Which Stress Shield strategies could Maya use before the test to help her feel calmer and more focused? (List at least two strategies)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 2: The Group Project Problem

Leo is working on a group project, but one of his teammates isn't doing their share. Leo feels a knot in his shoulders and a tightness in his jaw. He keeps thinking, "We're never going to finish this on time!" He's starting to avoid looking at his teammates and is having trouble speaking up in their group meetings.

1. What are Leo's early stress signs? (Think about his body, mind, and actions)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Which Stress Shield strategies could Leo use to address his feelings and the situation? (List at least two strategies)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 3: Missing My Friend

Chloe's best friend moved to a new town over the summer. Chloe has been feeling a bit sad and lonely. She doesn't feel like playing her usual games, and sometimes she just wants to stay in her room. Her eyes have been feeling a bit watery, and she finds herself sighing a lot.

1. What are Chloe's early stress signs? (Think about her body, mind, and actions)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Which Stress Shield strategies could Chloe use to help her cope with missing her friend and feeling lonely? (List at least two strategies)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 4: Too Many Chores!

Sam came home from school to find a long list of chores waiting for him. He has to clean his room, walk the dog, and help with dinner. He feels overwhelmed just looking at the list, and his heart starts to beat a little faster. He groans and thinks, "This is too much! I'll never get to play!"

1. What are Sam's early stress signs? (Think about his body, mind, and actions)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Which Stress Shield strategies could Sam use to tackle his overwhelming feelings and the chores? (List at least two strategies)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

My Stress Shield Worksheet

Everyone experiences stress differently, and everyone builds their own unique "Stress Shield" to protect themselves. Use this worksheet to think about your stress signs and your best strategies!

Part 1: My Early Stress Signs (My Stress Detector!)

Think about how your body and mind tell you that stress might be starting. What are the little whispers you notice?

• In my body (how I feel physically):
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• In my mind (how I think or feel inside):
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• In my actions (how I behave):
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Part 2: My Stress Shield Strategies (My Protection Plan!)

Based on what we discussed and what you know about yourself, what are the best ways for you to handle stress proactively? List at least three strategies you can use.

Strategy 1:

• How I will use it:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Strategy 2:

• How I will use it:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Strategy 3:

• How I will use it:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Part 3: My Support System

Who are the trusted people you can talk to when you feel stressed or overwhelmed?

• My grown-ups (parents, guardians, family members):
  
  
  
  

• My teachers or other adults at school:
  
  
  
  

• My friends:
  
  
  
  

Zen Zone Cool Down: My Stress Shield Reflection

Take a few moments to reflect on today's lesson about building your Stress Shield.

1. What is one new thing you learned about stress or how to manage it today?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Out of all the Stress Shield strategies we talked about, which one are you most likely to try first when you feel a little stress coming on?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Why do you think this strategy will be helpful for you?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. On a scale of 1 to 5, how confident do you feel about using your Stress Shield strategies (1 = not confident at all, 5 = very confident)?

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