The Cool Down

The Cool Down

Use the Cool Down when you want to get away from a conflict and take control of strong, angry feelings!

Did you know that scientists have found that our feelings are faster than our thoughts?

This is usually a good thing because it means our bodies can respond to danger very quickly. Unfortunately, it also means if somebody says something means to you, your feelings of anger will make you immediately want to say something mean back. That’s the problem with our quick and strong feelings – they can get us into conflict before our more cool, logical thoughts can calm us down. When you’re in a big fight or argument and your feelings are intense or hot it’s hard to think clearly and fairly. It’s hard to take control of your hot feelings and make the choice to solve the conflict. When that’s the case, you may need to do the Cool Down!

The Cool Down means you choose to stop arguing and get away from the person you’re arguing with. You do anything to calm yourself without fighting. After a while, your feelings will cool down. Then you’ll have a more clear head to think about solutions to your conflict.

Ways to Cool Down:

1.   Go for a run

2.   Listen to your favorite band or song

3.   Eat a banana

4.   Ride your bike or skateboard, or go skating

5.   Write a poem or rap

6.   Do your homework

7.   Help your brother or sister with his or her homework

8.   Call, email or instant message a friend, but don’t say mean things about the person your in conflict with

9.   Check out your favorite blog or web site

10. Read a book

11. Play a game

12. Vacuum

13. Climb the monkey bars

14. Take a nap

15. Take a bath

16. Sing a song in the shower

17. Make a painting or drawing

18. Take the dog for a walk

19. Climb a tree

20. Look at old photos of your family

If you show respect for others, you can prevent many conflicts! The Cool Down requires that you be a leader. You have to step up and take charge of your feelings. If you let hot feelings be in charge, you might end up in a fight or saying or doing something that really hurts the other person. You might ruin a good friendship. It’s a lot better to Cool Down when you’re too hot to talk!!