Junior High Connections

your grades are important - you must pass 80% of your classes to move on to the next grade level

if you fail both semesters of English, math, or science, you will have to repeat those classes

get involved - student council, sports, music, drama, clubs - find something you want to be involved in 

pay attention in class, take notes, and turn your assignments in on time

ask for help - ask your teacher, the counselor, the secretary, or the principal if you don't understand something

if you hear, or see something that makes you uncomfortable - Tell someone

Start with a growth mindset - with effort and practice you can get better at anything

Notice how anxiety affects your body - tight muscles, faster heartbeat, tight muscles, sweaty palms?  These physical feelings are part of your body's stress response.  They can be uncomfortable, but they are not harmful

BREATHE - take a few slow breaths - you can use your fingers to count four or five breaths, in and out - focus on your breathing, not your anxiety

Talk yourself through it - "I can do this", "it's ok to feel anxious, I can do this anyway"

Face the situation - don't wait for anxiety to go away- putting off something that makes you anxious will not make it go away - it's facing anxiety that helps you lower it