2. A few notes from Lynn Lyons workshop

4. And our anxiety can start to influence our decisions in life Avoid situations that trigger anxiety Become withdrawn and feel alone Miss out on life opportunities Miss out on fun Use substances to mask the negative feelings

5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrSUe_m19FY

6. Some levels of anxiety and stress are normal

8. Focus on the process(the anxiety) – Not the content (the triggers)

12. It DEMANDS

13. Focus on the symptoms

14. How we learn to respond and react predicts our future well being

16. This is how worry works and it is part of being human Event trigger Intensified Physical Reaction Intensified Physical Reaction Physical Response More worried thoughts Worried thoughts Amygdala Activated

17. If I am uncomfortable and uncertain that is how I grow….. -Kids don’t need to stop being scared -They need to take action while they are scared.

18. 1. Physiological (uncomfortable bodily reactions) 2.Cognitive (those worried thoughts) 3. Goals (specific) Understand physical symptoms related to anxiety so you are not surprised Use Self talk and relaxation/breathing to settle down thoughts and deactivate Amygdala (fight/flight/freeze) I will can do __________ because this is important to me….

19. Focus on & talk about how to fix specific problem. Eg. I don’t like math Reassure about the specific problem Give Data, stats, rational info Go over plans & specifics repeatedly Focus on HOW worry operates and what its “up to” Cue “worry-managing strategies Be general “that sounds like worry to me” Prompt independent, internal reassurance and problem solving

20. 1. Breathe out all the way 2. Take a deep breath in, counting to 5, letting your belly expand first, and then your chest 3. Slowly exhale, saying 'calm' or 'relax' to yourself 4. Let your muscles go limp and warm, loosen your face and jaw muscles 5. Remain in this resting position for a few more seconds, with an empty mind 6. Repeat 3 or 4 times until tension loosens

22. http://www.lynnlyonsnh.com /

23. the students that agreed to have their feelings of anxiety recorded. It took a lot of courage!