Lesson Plan

When Anxiety Strikes Lesson Plan

Students will learn to recognize physical signs of severe anxiety, understand the mind–body connection, and practice four coping strategies—deep breathing, muscle relaxation, grounding, and visualization—to manage symptoms independently.

Anxiety often shows up as physical symptoms students may not link to stress. Adding grounding and visualization broadens their toolbox, helping them remain present and calm when anxious sensations arise.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Gather and Review Materials

7 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Check-In

5 minutes

Step 2

Identify Physical Symptoms

7 minutes

Step 3

Explore Mind–Body Connection

6 minutes

Step 4

Practice Coping Strategies

10 minutes

Step 5

Reflection and Next Steps

2 minutes

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Slide Deck

When Anxiety Strikes

Welcome the student warmly. Invite them to share how they’re feeling today. Explain the session’s goals: recognizing physical anxiety signs and learning tools to manage them. Set a calm tone with soft lighting and minimal distractions.

Physical Signs of Anxiety

Distribute the [Anxiety Symptoms Handout](#anxiety-symptoms-handout). Review each symptom and ask the student to circle those they’ve experienced. Encourage specific examples and normalize their reactions.

Mind–Body Connection

Display the [Mind-Body Connection Graphic](#mind-body-graphic). Explain the fight-or-flight response: how thoughts trigger physical changes. Use a real-life example (e.g., feeling a knot in your stomach before a test). Invite the student to share their own memories.

Coping Strategy: Deep Breathing

Hand out the [Coping Strategies Worksheet](#coping-strategies-worksheet). Guide the student through deep breathing. Press play on the [Calming Breath Audio](#calming-breath-audio) and breathe together for 2 minutes. Observe posture and offer gentle reminders.

Coping Strategy: Muscle Relaxation

Lead the student through progressive muscle relaxation. Ask them to tense each muscle group for 5 seconds and then release. Move from feet up to face. Observe and comment on tension release.

Reflection & Next Steps

Ask the student: Which strategy felt most helpful and why? Encourage them to pick one to try next time. Remind them to keep handouts accessible and schedule a brief follow-up.

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Worksheet

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Activity

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When Anxiety Strikes

Lisa Cooper

Tier 3
For Schools
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