Managing Anxiety at School: Easy Tips for Kids!

School can be awesome, but sometimes it might feel stressful or even a little scary. Maybe your stomach feels funny before a test, or maybe your heart races when it’s your turn to speak in class. That feeling has a name - it's called anxiety, and guess what? It happens to lots of kids. The good news is, there are easy ways to help make those nervous feelings smaller.

Here are some tips you can try whenever anxiety pops up at school:

1. Take a Breather

When you start to feel nervous, pause and take three slow, deep breaths. Pretend you're slowly blowing up a balloon in your belly and then slowly letting the air out. It might sound funny, but it helps calm your body!

2. Talk to Yourself Like a Friend

Instead of saying, "I can’t do this," try telling yourself, "I’ve got this," or "It's okay if it's not perfect." Being kind to yourself helps your brain feel safer and calmer.

3. Break Big Things into Small Steps

If homework feels overwhelming, break it into smaller pieces. Instead of thinking, "I have to finish all these math problems," think, "I'm going to do just five problems first." It makes the task less scary.

4. Move Your Body

If anxiety shows up, move around! Shake your hands, wiggle your toes, or stretch. Moving your body tells your brain it's okay to relax.

5. Talk to Someone You Trust

Talking about your feelings helps a lot. Tell a teacher, parent, school counselor, or even a friend how you're feeling. It can make those nervous feelings much lighter.

Remember, anxiety isn't forever. Feelings come and go, and with practice, managing them gets easier each time. School can be fun, and learning these tips now helps you feel calm, brave, and ready for anything!

Ask your parents to call us if you’d like some extra support from one of our anxiety experts in Ogden, Utah.