Unit 2: The Impact of Situations or Places on your Emotions

Learning Objective(s):

- Students will be able to recognize that their emotions are valid, even if others may feel differently.

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Section 1: What Emotions Look Like in a Comfortable Situation or Place

We all have a place that we feel most at home and comfortable. A place where you feel calm, relaxed, and safe. When you feel safe, you are able to fully relax into the situation or place that you are in. You may lay down on the couch, sit in a cozy chair, or walk around in your pajamas without fear of feeling uncomfortable or scared! In your comfortable, safe space, you probably feel very happy to be there! Your face may not show any emotion, but inside you feel warm and happy. Remember, not all emotions are visible!

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Section 2: What Emotions Look Like in a New Situation or Place

Everyone has been in a situation or place that is brand new to them. These locations could include new schools, a friend’s house, or even somewhere you’ve never been on vacation to! These situations could include trying a new food, getting a new pet, or meeting someone new for the first time. When you are going to a new place, or are trying something new you may feel anxious or you may feel excited! You may even feel a mixture of both. When people are anxious or excited, they tend to fidget with their hands or hair, they may talk more to keep themselves calm, or may distract themselves in a book or on their phone. Most often, you start to feel comfortable in a new place after your first or second visit, after you’ve become more familiar with the location or situation and what to expect. Your face may not show any emotion, but inside you feel nervous or excited. Remember, not all emotions are visible!

Let’s Practice- Section 2

Listen and follow along to Everyone Feels Anxious Sometimes by Dr. Daniela Owen. After listening to the story, on a half sheet of paper, reflect on a time in your life where you may have felt anxious. If you’re up to it, share with a friend or with the class.

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Section 3: What Emotions Look Like in a Dangerous Situation or Place

Everyone has experienced a dangerous place or a scary situation at least once in their lives. You may have experienced a scary thunderstorm that was dangerous, or perhaps you’ve been in the car during a heavy rainstorm. In these dangerous situations or places, you may feel something called anxiety.

Anxiety is “a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an event or something with an uncertain outcome”.

You may begin to sweat, or your heart may begin to race, you might bite your fingernails, or you might even cry. These are all very natural emotional responses that your body makes. These reactions tell your brain that you are not safe, and your face may be able to tell others the same thing. Your face still may not show any emotion, but inside you feel worried or scared. Remember, not all emotions are visible!

Let’s Practice- Section 3

Listen and follow along to, Once I was Very Very Scared by Chandra Ghosh Ippen. After listening, discuss with a friend one or two things that help you feel safe in a scary situation.

Remember to treat people with kindness, as every emotion may not be visible.