• Resources for Students

     

    Are you (or your child) feeling anxious or stressed?

     

    Below are some printable resources and helpful websites. If you need anything else, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our contact information is on the "Welcome" page.

  • Grounding is a set of simple strategies that can help you detach from big emotions (e.g., anxiety, anger, sadness, self-harm). It is basically a way to distract yourself by focusing on something other than the difficult emotions you are experiencing. You may also think of grounding as centering, distracting, creating a safe place, or healthy detachment.

    Although grounding does not solve the problem that is contributing to your unpleasant emotions, it does provide a temporary way to gain control over your feelings and prevent things from getting worse. Grounding anchors you, gives you a chance to calm down, and allows you to eventually return and address the problem that is triggering the unpleasant emotions to begin with. And grounding can be done anytime, anywhere, and no one has to know. More information HERE.

    Check out the grounding poster below for 5 easy grounding steps.
Grounding Exercises

  • Mindfulness Activities

    Mindful Morning was held in the Counseling Center every day for students that wanted to come in and practice their mindfulness techniques before school started. We used the website, Mind Yeti. Mind Yeti added videos to their YouTube channel for students to access for free at home. You and your child can listen to them HERE to continue learning about mindfulness while they are home. Please email Ms. Neely if you have any questions or would like additional resources.

     

     

     MindYeti

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    Mindful Labyrinth

    Click on the Mindful Labyrinth to download more labyrinths. Mindful Labyrinths are a calming activity where the student traces a path with their finger while relaxing and refocusing on the present. They help reduce anxiety and promote emotional control.

     

    Mindful Labyrinth

     

     

  • Deep Breathing

    Coping Skills For Kids has a great description on why deep breathing matters.

    "When you are calm, your body is in what is known as “rest and digest” mode. Your breathing is normal, your muscles are relaxed, and your heart rate is normal. It's how you would be when you’re watching a show and relaxing. But then suddenly, a dinosaur is chasing you!! 

    When you experience a stressful event (like an unexpected dinosaur in your living room), your body automatically goes into what is known as “flight, fight or freeze” mode. Your heart rate increases, your stomach stops digestion, and your breathing becomes more shallow.

    The goal of calming exercises is to get yourself from “flight, fight or freeze” mode back to “rest and digest” mode. Deep breathing helps get more oxygen into your bloodstream, opening up your capillaries. It has a physical effect on your body to help you calm down and lower stress.

    So deep breathing does make a big difference for kids."

    Click HERE to go to their website to try some deep breathing activities and check out the pictures on the left for more fun visuals.

     

  • Click on the Balloon Breathing picture to print these and a couple more designs at home. 

    Balloon Breathing

    Rain Breathing

  • How do you feel today?

    Sometimes we have complex feelings that are hard to figure out! Use the chart below to find words to tell how you are feeling. Click on the chart to print the chart and the emotion tracker form.

    how do you feel

    emotion tracker

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    Coloring Pages

    Print these coloring pages and a couple more designs HERE.  Coloring helps reduce stress & improve mood. It can help children & adults!

    breathe

    calm

     

  • If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact our county hotline at 1-209-468-8686, National Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (or text: 741741), Teen Hotline at 310-855-4673 (or text: 839863), call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room / hospital.