How to Stop Feeling Anxious About Going to School
Feeling anxious about going to school is a sort of phenomenon that many students experience in their life. Whether it's thinking about meeting people, tough classes, or handling social pressure, one would feel a bit nervous by nature. The good news, however, is that there are ways to handle this kind of anxiety and make your school experience very comfortable. Read on for a simple, concise guide on how to stop feeling anxious about going to school.
1. Accept Your Anxiety
First, learn to accept it. In managing anxiety, you will first acknowledge its existence. Of course, it is fine to feel nervous, and you are not alone. Many students share the same feeling. Once you accept your feelings, you can now work on ways to make them less overwhelming.
2. Prepare the Night Before
Managing anxiety can be very effective by being prepared the night before school. Lay out your clothes, pack your bag, and make sure that homework is done so that you have everything ready for the next day. That way, you will feel more in control and there will be no need for last-minute panicking, which is a trigger for anxiety.
3. Create a Morning Routine
A soothing rhythm to your day. You can wake up early, have a healthy breakfast, and build more-than-enough time to prepare for the day. That helps keep you away from anxiety and provides you with the sense of grounding in the morning when you feel relaxed.
If you start to get anxious when you are walking to school or in class, try taking a few deep breaths. Inhale slowly for four counts, hold it for a second or two, exhale slowly, and repeat three or four times. This can help your body calm down and make you feel more in control.
5. Focus on the present
Anxieties often stem from concerns about what's going to happen in class or what others may think of you. Gently bring your mind back to the present. Pay attention to what is happening now rather than concern about what's going to happen. This is one of the ways mindfulness helps control anxiety.
6. Talk to Someone You Trust
If your anxiety really bothers you, don't bottle it all up inside. Talk to a parent, teacher, or a good friend about what's going on. Sometimes just talking about all the things that are worrying you really does lighten their load. Also, they may have some good advice or support to share with you.
7. Challenge Negative Thoughts
Most bad thoughts stem from either hearing or repeating: "What if I flunk this test?" or "What if people do not like me?" Try to counter these bad thoughts with questioning your own thoughts as to whether they're really true. In many cases, the worst case in mind is not what happens. Take some time out to remember when you have triumphed and stand on your strengths.
8. Set small goals
If school feels too much, then break it up into more manageable bits that you feel you can handle. For example, you want to just get through your first class or even be able to connect with one positively with a classmate. You could gradually build up your confidence by conquering small bits at once and reducing the overwhelming feeling of the day.
9. Care for Your Body
Healthy physicality is wonderful for psychological health. Be sure to get enough rest, eat right, and stay active. Exercise can really be soothing for anxiety because it releases endorphins, which are chemicals inside the brain that make you feel good.
10. The Positives Focus
Or you could think of the good things that would happen to you. Maybe you get to learn something new, or an entertaining time is had with friends. This approach puts the attention of the mind on good things in school and not on anxiety.
11. Seek Professional Help when Needed
For anxiety that is persistent and does disrupt the ability to think or enjoy school, it might be good to speak with a counselor or therapist. They can give you specific information about ways to deal with your anxieties based on your situation, which might be helpful in more effectively regulating your anxiety.
Conclusion
Normally, going to school induces anxiety. But that anxiety doesn't have to dictate your actions. It reduces anxiety and makes you much more confident through preparation beforehand, practice of relaxation techniques, and keeping you settled in the present. Let's get this out: Remember, dear, school is a learning environment- you grow up here; you are capable of handling any challenges that come your way!
