Help Your Student Overcome Anxiety This School Year
By Virginia Laird
For millions of students getting ready to head back to the classroom, anxiety is a serious problem. For some, it can be debilitating and health wracking. Health and wellness experts advise that there are a few things you can (and should) do to help your student address these emotions. A few tips include:
- Make sleep a priority
- Make time to workout
- Plan for the next long weekend
Make Sleep a Priority
Many who struggle with getting enough sleep may also suffer with a host of other issues, including anxiety. Because many students have spent their summer burning the late night oil, a great number may find it difficult to get back on track to a point where they can get enough sleep and still be at school and able to function. Helping your student deal with back-to-school anxiety may require you to enforce a bedtime so that your child can be well rested.
Make Time to Work Out
Research suggests that making time to exercise can help rid the mind of feelings of anxiety. Health and wellness experts suggest that these workouts need not be overly exhausting. Rather, a simple walk, jog or yoga class may be enough to clear the mind. It is advised that at least three or four 30-minute workouts can be enough to help keep the mind clear and reduce feelings of anxiety.
Plan for the Next Long Weekend
For those who have children who struggle with back-to-school anxiety, it can be a good idea to plan a weekend away shortly after the year begins. This can provide a reason for your child to get excited. Health and wellness experts suggest that asking your child, who is suffering with feelings of anxiety, to help plan the getaway can offer even more reason to look forward to the relaxing trip. While your student may not be excited for school to begin, they will be thrilled to count down the days until the trip, which will include a few days (or weeks of school).
If your child (or someone you know) needs more help that these tips fail to provide, it can be a good idea to seek professional help. There is no shame in reaching out for help. Research suggests that those who are able to recognize the need for help and find it have a better chance of overcoming these feelings and becoming successful in school. Here’s to hoping the school year is a great one for your family!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Plymouth, Minn.