Stress Check-In: How's Your Monster Today?

Take a moment to check in with yourself. On a scale of 1-5, how "active" is your Stress Monster today?

• 1 - Sleeping Soundly: Feeling calm, relaxed, and happy.
• 2 - Stretching & Yawning: A little bit of tension, but easily manageable.
• 3 - Pacing Around: Feeling some stress, a bit on edge.
• 4 - Growling & Stomping: Significant stress, feeling overwhelmed.
• 5 - Raging Roar! Feeling completely overwhelmed, unable to focus.

My Stress Monster is a ____ today because...

Share your number (and why, if you feel comfortable) with a partner or the class.

Stress Monster Worksheet: Get to Know Your Monster

Everyone has a "Stress Monster" that shows up when things get tough. Understanding your monster is the first step to taming it!

Part 1: What Makes Your Monster Grow?

Think about the things that make you feel stressed or overwhelmed. List some of your personal "Stress Triggers" below.

Part 2: How Does Your Monster Act?

When your Stress Monster appears, how do you feel? What does your body do? What thoughts do you have?

Physical Feelings (e.g., headache, fast heart, tense muscles):

Emotional Feelings (e.g., irritable, sad, anxious, angry):

Thoughts (e.g., "I can't do this," "What if I fail?"):

Behaviors (e.g., avoiding tasks, snapping at others, withdrawing):

Part 3: Draw Your Stress Monster!

In the space below, draw what your Stress Monster looks like when it's feeling big and overwhelming!

Stress-Busting Strategies: Your Taming Tool Kit!

Here are some powerful tools you can use to calm your Stress Monster and feel more in control. Try a few out and see what works best for you!

Mind & Body Taming Tools

• Deep Breathing: Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat 3-5 times. This activates your body's calming response!
• Mindful Moment: Focus on one of your five senses. What do you see, hear, smell, feel, or taste right now? This brings you into the present moment.
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense one part of your body (like your shoulders) for 5 seconds, then completely relax it. Move through different muscle groups.
• Gentle Movement: Go for a short walk, stretch, or do some light exercise. Movement can release tension and clear your head.
• Creative Expression: Draw, write, sing, or play an instrument. Expressing yourself can be a great way to let out bottled-up emotions.

Action & Connection Taming Tools

• Talk It Out: Share how you're feeling with a trusted adult (parent, teacher, counselor) or a friend. Sometimes just talking helps a lot.
• Problem Solve: If there's something specific stressing you out, brainstorm solutions. Break big problems into smaller, manageable steps.
• Time Management: Use a planner or make a to-do list. Prioritize tasks and tackle one thing at a time to reduce feeling overwhelmed.
• Set Boundaries: Learn to say "no" to extra commitments if you're already feeling stretched. It's okay to protect your time and energy.
• Help Others: Sometimes, shifting your focus to help someone else can make you feel better and less focused on your own stress.
• Spend Time in Nature: Step outside, feel the sun, or listen to the birds. Nature has a calming effect.

Self-Care & Joy Taming Tools

• Listen to Music: Put on your favorite upbeat tunes or calming melodies.
• Read a Book: Escape into a story or learn something new.
• Hobby Time: Dedicate time to activities you genuinely enjoy, whether it's gaming, crafting, or sports.
• Get Enough Sleep: Being well-rested makes you more resilient to stress.
• Eat Healthy Snacks: Fuel your body with good food to keep your energy stable.
• Laugh! Watch a funny video, tell a joke, or spend time with people who make you smile. Laughter is powerful medicine!

Challenge: Circle 2-3 strategies you want to try this week!




My chosen strategies are:

Stress Reflection Journal: Taming My Monster

Use this journal space to reflect on your stress and practice your taming tools.

Prompt 1: My Stress Monster's Day

Describe a recent time your Stress Monster appeared. What happened? How did you feel physically and emotionally? What thoughts did you have?

Prompt 2: Trying a Taming Tool

Think about one of the stress-busting strategies you chose from your Stress-Busting Strategies Handout. When will you try it? How do you think it might help tame your Stress Monster?

Prompt 3: Looking Ahead

What is one small step you can take this week to keep your Stress Monster calm? How can you remember to use your Taming Tools?

Extra Space for Thoughts or Doodles:

My Taming Tool: Cool Down Check-Out

Now that you've learned about your Stress Monster and some taming tools, let's reflect.

1. What is ONE new strategy or idea about stress management that you learned today?
   
   
   
   

2. Which ONE taming tool are you most excited to try this week? Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. On a scale of 1-5, how confident do you feel in your ability to start taming your Stress Monster?

   • 1 = Not confident at all
   • 2 = A little confident
   • 3 = Moderately confident
   • 4 = Very confident
   • 5 = Extremely confident

   My confidence level: _____