Coping Corner - Elementary

Deep breathing signals your body to relax and helps lessen stress and anxiety. It gets more oxygen to the thinking part of the brain and counters the fight, flight or freeze response. 

Listen to the Sesame Street song Belly Breathe. 

Read more about breathing here. 

A grounding technique is anything that helps bring you back to the present moment. They are helpful when we're stuck thinking about something from the past or when worrying about the future. They often involve the 5 senses.

• Splash water on your face
• Put an ice pack on neck or
• Wrists
• Go for a walk
• Have a peppermint or
• Ginger gum drop/lollipop
• Savor a smell
• Use hand lotion or essential oils
• Jumping jacks or jump rope
• Ride your bike
• Play catch
• Bake

What is Progressive Muscle Relaxation? 

Click here for more grounding ideas. 

Movement is a great way to release excess energy, release endorphins, improve our mood, and help us regain focus.

• Ride your bike
• Go for a walk
• Wall sits
• Yoga
• Stretch
• Dance
• Push Ups
• Jump Rope
• Hula Hoop
• Trampoline
• Clean your room

Click here for more movement ideas.

Sometimes practicing a mental activity can help take our mind off a stressful situation and relax. 

• Read
• Do a puzzle
• Bake
• Play a board game
• Use a fidget or stress-ball
• Make a to-do list
• Journal
• Draw/Color
• Arts and Crafts (Origami, Bracelets)
• Play (Play-Doh, Legos, etc.)