Anxiety
is common among all of us; unfortunately, this includes our
children. When any of us are feeling anxious, our brains
don't function as they normally do. At home, we have many
opportunities to defuse tension - - going outside, exercising,
writing in a gratitude journal -- but in the classroom, if the
teacher or counselor doesn't address anxiety with the entire group,
individual students may not know how to cope. Here are a few
things they can do that may help:
-
Taking slow, deep breaths will slow their heart rate and also help their muscles relax. (It will be helpful if they don't wait to feel anxious to do this; practicing when they're not stressed will build the habit of breathing deeply and slowly all the time!)
-
Visualizing a tranquil, favorite spot while closing their eyes and breathing deeply and slowly will also help.
-
Tensing each muscle group (e.g., neck and shoulders, shoulders and arms, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves) for five-ten seconds and then releasing will enhance relaxation. They can do this from head to toe and should feel calmer.
When
students have anxiety issues that don't improve with the
above-mentioned activities, it may be wise to examine their eating
and sleeping habits and possibly consult with the school psychologist
to see if they qualify for an IEP or 504. Those who do qualify
will receive accommodations that will help them academically and
emotionally.
