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Writer's pictureDr. Emi Garzitto

What is Anxiety?





anx·i·e·ty


noun: anxiety; plural noun: anxieties

a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.

PSYCHIATRY


a nervous disorder characterized by a state of excessive uneasiness and apprehension, typically with compulsive behavior or panic attacks.



Stress Chemicals


Increases production of cortisol and adrenaline

Cortisol – Designed to be used in situations of “acute stress” helps the body get ready for physical action

Increases inflammation in the body

Temporarily activates immune system (tiger vs. bacteria)

Epinephrine (adrenaline)

Affects other hormones, DHEA, progesterone, estrogen



Love Chemicals


Dopamine – increase in pleasure, motivation, decrease in sadness

Vasopressant – increase in sexuality, attraction and decrease in anxiety

Oxytocin – increase in trust, attachment and decrease in fear



What You Should Know


Anxiousness is part of a Belief Pattern

Beliefs are Hereditary – they are in our DNA

We Can Train Our Brains to Manage Anxiety



Activity


Overwhelming research evidence that activity supports:


Learning

Memory

Self Regulation

Anxiety

Depression



Side Note on Worry


Our Thought is a Thing

Thought and actions seen by the body as the same thing

On a quantum level, everything is a vibration,

What you think about affects your biology

It also affects the biology of the person you are thinking about



Strategies We Teach Our Students


Change of State – Go for a walk

Go outside

Get a drink of water

Find What Comforts You: Hugs, Cuddling in a Blanket, Talking to Someone, Listen to Music

Positive Self Talk

Belly Breathing

Movement

Identifying Triggers



Home Supports




§  Declutter the home environment

§  Model Emotional Independence – Stress Contagion – You are in charge of managing your feelings

§  Move

§  Meditation/Breathing

§  Provide Responsibilities and Praise Independence

§  Limit Electronic Device Use

§  Have a consistent morning and evening routine

§  Eat Real Food

Some Stress is Good

Take care of your own stress

Model what you want your children to do and be

Move

Practice Finding What is Right

Pause, Meditate, Breathe

Eat Real Food



What Not to Do


Eat Sugar and Simple Carbohydrates

Self Medicating

Negative Self Talk

“Victimizing”




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