Body Scan Check-In: How Does Your Body Feel Right Now?

Take a moment to sit comfortably, close your eyes if you feel safe doing so, or simply soften your gaze.

Let's do a quick check-in with our bodies.

1. Feet and Legs: How do your feet feel? Are they resting on the floor? What about your legs? Do you feel any tension or relaxation?
   
   
   

2. Stomach and Chest: Bring your attention to your stomach area. What sensations do you notice? Now, your chest. Can you feel your breath moving in and out?
   
   
   

3. Hands and Arms: How do your hands feel? Are they open or clenched? What about your arms? Are they relaxed?
   
   
   

4. Shoulders and Neck: Notice your shoulders. Are they up by your ears or relaxed down? What about your neck and jaw? Is there any tightness?
   
   
   

5. Face and Head: Finally, notice your face and head. Is your forehead furrowed? Can you soften your facial muscles?
   
   
   

6. Overall Feeling: Without judgment, what is the overall feeling in your body right now? Just observe.

We'll discuss what you noticed in a moment. There are no right or wrong answers, just observations.

Stress Response Scenarios: What Would Your Body Do?

Instructions: In your groups, read each scenario. Discuss and write down how someone's body and brain might react using the "fight, flight, or freeze" responses we learned about. Be specific about what physical sensations or actions might occur.

Scenario 1: Pop Quiz Panic

You walk into your math class, and your teacher announces a pop quiz on fractions, a topic you find really challenging. Your stomach drops, and you feel a rush of heat.

Discuss: How might the fight, flight, or freeze response show up here? What might you feel or want to do?

Scenario 2: Confrontation in the Hallway

During passing period, you accidentally bump into a group of older students. One of them glares at you and says, "Watch where you're going!"

Discuss: What kind of stress response might this trigger? What physical reactions might you have?

Scenario 3: Lost in a Crowd

You're at a busy amusement park with your family, and you turn around to tell your parents something, but they're gone. You're surrounded by strangers.

Discuss: How might the fight, flight, or freeze response kick in? What thoughts or feelings might you experience?

Scenario 4: Performance Anxiety

It's your turn to give a presentation in front of the whole class. As you walk to the front of the room, your palms get sweaty, and your voice feels tight.

Discuss: Which stress response is most likely here? How does your body communicate that feeling?

Sharing Our Stress Triggers: What Makes Our Brains and Bodies Freak Out?

Instructions: As a class, let's reflect on what we've learned and share our experiences. Remember, there's no right or wrong answer, and it's okay if you don't want to share something too personal. We're here to learn from each other and build understanding.

1. What's a "trigger" for you? What kinds of situations or events sometimes make your brain and body go into "fight, flight, or freeze" mode? (e.g., a test, a disagreement with a friend, a loud noise, public speaking)
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. How do you usually react? Do you tend to fight, flight, or freeze in those situations? Describe what that feels like in your body.
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What's one thing you learned today about the stress response that you found interesting or helpful?
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Why is it important to understand these natural reactions?