MY ANXIETY HAS ANXIETY!

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.