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How Anxiety Leads to Disruptive Behavior
Kids who seem oppositional are often severely anxious
CALMING TECHNIQUES
Tips for Staying Calm and Relaxed
Breathe
Breathing is the best way to feel calmer. Take a deep breath, count to four, and slowly exhale. Repeat.
Relax your body
Drop our shoulders, then flex and release all the muscles in your body, from top to bottom.
Change your thoughts
To help refocus your thoughts, visualize a bright red stop sign, say STOP, and visualize something positive.
Visualize Calm
Close your eyes and visualize yourself in a peaceful setting, feeling calm, relaxed, and stress-free.
Try guided meditations
With guided meditation, a voice helps you relax your body and focus your thoughts. Guided meditations are available on Spotify, and on apps like Meditation Studio and Calm.
Go outside
If you're feeling stressed or anxious, going outside for some air and a short walk can help.
Do physical activity
Take a run or brisk walk, kick a ball, or do jumping jacks. Physical activity helps you release negative feelings.
Listen to music
If you aren't able to listen to music to calm you down, try singing a song in your head while taking deep breaths.
Keep a centering object
A centering object is any object (e.g., a stone, necklace, stress ball) that you can turn your attention to when you need to feel calm.
Challenge negative thoughts
Drop our shoulders, then flex and release all the muscles in your body, from top to bottom.
Not all calming techniques will work for you all the time. But if you have a toolbox of calming techniques, you can feel confident in your ability to handle stressful situations.
And remember, you can always ask for help if you need it.
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