September Issue 107
www.thenewsyneighbour.com
Self-Help Tips provided by Cynthia Barnesky of Sunrise Healing Center
Another school year is just
around the corner. For some, it can be a stressful time as it is usually full
of firsts; first day of school, a new school, finding new friends or starting a
new grade. Stress can cause many disorders for both parents and students such
as not sleeping, headaches, and eating too much or not enough and for some it
can even lead to anxiety or panic attacks.
There are steps that both
parents and students can take to reduce the stress.
First, it is important to remember
that stress is a choice - not a condition. We can choose to stay calm or get
upset about the situations we are in. When we recognize that the idea of
starting school is just a normal part of life and of growing up, we can handle
it better. Try not to assume the worse or imagine things that probably won’t
even happen. There is no reason the new school, next grade or new friends won’t
be better than before.
Take specific actions as
these will provide a feeling of being in control:
- Be
prepared, start getting organized sooner rather than later; this goes for both
parent and student.
- Discuss
your fears with a parent or trusted friend.
- As
the school year progresses, focus on the things you enjoy.
- Learn
to schedule your time between homework and extracurricular activates so that
you don’t get overwhelmed.
Here
are some quick tips to help with the physical side of stress:
1. Take
a deep breath in and out slowly. Give yourself a timeout from the situation. Clear
your mind and thoughts by taking a walk, listening to music or doing an activity
that calms you.
2. Try this relaxation exercise of tightening and releasing all the
large muscle groups starting from your toes to the top of your head; breathe while
doing this exercise.
3. Massage
and self-massage can also help relax the mind, body and soul making life feel a
lot easier to handle.
4. If you suffer from anxiety or panic attacks, here is a self-help
method through self-acupressure points and positive affirmations. During an
anxiety or panic attack, concentrate on breathing slowly and deeply while you
hold the middle of the inside of the forearm, three finger-widths above the
wrist crease (these point helps relives nausea, anxiety, racing heartbeat, and
wrist pain; it is also known to balance the inner being). Another good acupressure
point is place your finger on the center of your breastbone, take a deep breath
in and out slowly while holding this point for a few minutes. This point
activates the thymus gland and is especially good for counteraction anxiety,
nervousness, panic, anguish, hysteria, and other emotional imbalances. Another
point, hold the upper outer chest area on both sides using three fingers below
the collarbone. Hold these points firmly for a few minutes, while taking a deep
breathe in and out slowly - this can instantly calm an attack. Here are some
affirmations to counteract anxiety or panic attacks: “I let go of my expectations. I trust that I will be taken care of. I am
at peace with myself in the present moment. I consciously breathe deeply and
let go of any anxiety. I am safe and let go of what the future may bring.”
I hope
that these tips and points will help make this upcoming school year more fun
and manageable; and remember, before you know it, another year will be over!
Reference
Book: Acupressure for Emotional Healing by Michael Reed Gach, PhD. and Beth Ann
Henning, Dipl., A.B.T.
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