There's no denying that this Fall and the start of school is going to look and feel very different this year. The global pandemic has changed the way we work and socialize and many parents are now facing the difficult decision on sending kids back to the classroom or keep them home. No doubt that the learning environment will be different. There is always a natural level of anxiety and trepidation about starting the school year - kids can feel nervous about making friends, handling classes, getting overwhelmed with a bigger school etc and this year adds the burden of a hybrid day or completely online. Parents have been sharing their concerns when coming in for acupuncture and it is clear that the uncertainty is keeping them awake at night. Some of my younger patients have also expressed their worry about the upcoming school year. Anxiety is a normal part of being human- the fear of not knowing what's ahead plays in our minds. Unfortunately, for some people these feelings are overwhelming and can result in physical manifestations such as disturbed sleep, an upset stomach, a sense of uneasiness and generally being overwhelmed and out of control. The good news is that there are ways we can tackle this and bring a sense of calm and perspective.
1) Sometimes just acknowledging the fact that we are anxious and questioning our negative thoughts can bring us back to a more centered reality.
2) Writing down thoughts can be a way to process negative emotions.
3) Deep belly breathing is a way to activate the calming part of your nervous system, the one that allows you space to 'rest and digest'. Pick a quiet space, put one hand on your chest and one on your belly. Close your eyes and breathe in for 4 or 5 seconds, hold for 1-2 seconds and then breathe out, long and slow. Do this 10-12 times and you should feel calmer and more relaxed.
4) What can you control? If your child is switching to 100% online learning, do they have a tablet? Wifi? A quiet area to work? If they are switching to a hybrid model, do they have a proper fitting mask, hand sanitizer for when they go to school? Practice them wearing it for longer periods of time so they can build up their endurance. Remind them of the importance of hand washing. Do you have a family plan on what happens if someone gets sick? Planning doesn't necessarily mean a fixed plan of action but it does give you a sense of being prepared as much as you can be with the information that you have at the moment.
There is no doubt that for some families going back to school in whatever manner is going to be tougher than for others. Don't hesitate to reach out to your school, pediatrician or other support services to get expert advice and guidance.
5) Acupuncture and regular self-care is an important aspect of maintaining good physical and mental health. Acupuncture can regulate the nervous system which is why many people are turning to it for a sense of calm and steadiness in an uncertain world. If you'd like to speak to me about acupuncture for back to school anxiety then please reach out. I'm here to help you.
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