Tips for Reducing Student Anxiety?

[vmacula, BSN, RN]

I have a few students this year with severe anxiety. Not necessarily school-induced, it's a general anxiety issue. But the beginning of the school year always adds to the amount of anxiety they experience on a normal basis. For a few students the anxiety gets so bad that it manifests into physical symptoms.

Does anyone have any tips for me to help reduce their anxiety and/or hep to relieve their physical manifestations?

[MamaWifeNurse]

I love this method: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/530782c6e4b05512e6e90a18/t/56d06ceb37013b97b19f7c21/1456499947764/54321+Grounding+Exercise.pdf

Or for the 1, I often use 1 thing you can taste. For lots of kiddos, this really helps!

[tining, BSN, RN]

Wow - love this

["nursy", RN]

I have several family members that have anxiety disorder. One of the things that is very helpful is breathing exercises. When people are anxious they tend to hyperventilate which just exacerbates the anxiety. So the thing is to get them to slowly inhale through their nose, exhale through their mouth very slowly in and out. I usually do it with them so they can get the pattern down. Guide them through it having them focus on their breathing. (Just like in yoga). Most of the time they do it, and it works, but they lose focus, so you have to kind of stay with them and keep guiding them. You can also teach them that this is an exercise they can do anytime they feel anxiety coming on.

[CanIcallmymom, BSN, RN]

I have all my students w/ anxiety do tactical breathing. It works! Lots of videos on youtube. Basically it's breathe in x 4 seconds, hold it for 4 seconds, and breathe out for 4 seconds. I have them do this for a few minutes and they usually are able to calm themselves and relax.

One of my students swears ice calms her down. So I give her some ice water. Guessing this is a placebo type of thing that she has developed, who knows? But it works for her.

I also ask them what works for them after I have their breathing under control. Do you want to talk it out? Read? Sit alone with your eyes closed? I give them 10 minutes to cool down usually.