Empowering Students with Emotional Regulation Strategies

9/27/2024

By: Lou Zarro

Are there any students in your life feeling overwhelmed by anxiety? With a staggering increase in anxiety among young people, equipping them with effective emotional regulation strategies is more crucial than ever. Lou Zarro, CCA Fort Lauderdale’s High School ESE Director, shares valuable insights and practical tools to help students identify triggers, develop positive habits, and foster resilience in the face of challenges.

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As the number of students grappling with anxiety continues to rise, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of equipping them with effective emotional regulation tools. Research shows that anxiety can alter brain function, particularly in areas related to memory, decision-making, and emotional control. This makes it essential to provide strategies that not only build emotional resilience, but also support cognitive health.

To address these needs, I specialized in helping individuals break through limiting beliefs and rewire their brains with positive, constructive thought patterns. Over the years, I’ve integrated these strategies at CCA Fort Lauderdale and in various other settings, empowering both students and adults to better manage stress, anxiety, and negative thinking.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” –Philippians 4:8

The Link Between ADHD and Anxiety

What many may not realize is the strong correlation between ADHD and anxiety. In fact, about 25% of individuals with ADHD also experience anxiety. The overlap in symptoms — such as difficulty focusing, restlessness, and sleep disturbances — can complicate diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, stimulant medications often prescribed for ADHD can sometimes heighten anxiety, making it critical to monitor both conditions closely.

If you notice a student with ADHD who struggles with constant worry, panic attacks, or a heightened sense of nervousness, it’s important to consider whether anxiety is also playing a role. Understanding this comorbidity helps us tailor our support to the individual’s specific needs.

Symptoms of Anxiety

In both the classroom and at home, anxiety can manifest in various ways. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward effective support. Common signs of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) include:

Excessive worrying
Persistent negative thoughts
Restlessness or irritability
Muscle tension, often leading to headaches
Difficulty concentrating
Trouble sleeping or staying asleep

By identifying these behaviors early, we can intervene with appropriate strategies to alleviate stress and promote emotional well-being.

5 Strategies to Help Manage Anxiety and Build Emotional Resilience

Recognize Your Triggers
One of the most empowering ways to manage anxiety is by identifying its triggers. Encourage students to keep a journal, noting the situations that provoke anxiety and how they respond. Understanding these patterns enables students to approach challenges with greater self-awareness and control.
Develop Daily Power Habits
After recognizing triggers, it’s important to establish daily habits that promote calmness and confidence. For me, a quiet moment of prayer by candlelight or a peaceful walk along the beach helps reset my mind. For others, activities like journaling, listening to music, or exercising may offer similar benefits. Encouraging students to discover and practice their own “power habits” can significantly reduce stress and improve emotional regulation.
Set Positive Intentions Each Day
Beginning each day with a focus on positivity can transform a student's emotional outlook. I suggest starting with three questions. These reflective questions help shift focus away from anxiety and toward a mindset of growth and positivity:

What kind of person do I want to be today?
Who are the people who influence me the most?
What routines can I develop to bring more joy into my day?

Use Neuroart to Address Limiting Beliefs
Neuroart is a powerful therapeutic art tool that helps rewire the brain by transforming limiting beliefs into positive thoughts. Research shows that the brain processes visual stimuli faster than verbal language, making art a valuable tool for change. I’ve seen its transformative effects firsthand.

For instance, I recently worked with a student who struggled with self-doubt about his academic performance. Through neuroart, we explored his emotional blocks and identified the support systems he hadn’t recognized before. This process not only changed his mindset, but also significantly reduced his anxiety.
Incorporate Techniques in the Classroom and at Home
In my role as High School ESE Director at CCA Fort Lauderdale, my team utilizes a variety of techniques to help students manage anxiety and regulate their emotions, including:
- Box Breathing: A simple breathing exercise that calms the nervous system and helps students regain focus.
- Visualization: Encouraging students to imagine positive outcomes or serene environments to reduce stress.
- Pebble or Stone: Teaching students to evaluate whether a problem is a "pebble" (small) or a "stone" (large), helping them better gauge the severity of their challenges.
- Movement Breaks: Short breaks for stretching or walking can release built-up tension and restore concentration.

By integrating these strategies, we can empower students to take control of their anxiety, build emotional resilience, and foster a mindset geared toward positive, productive outcomes.

As parents and educators, it is crucial to recognize these challenges and provide the tools and support that help students thrive — both emotionally and academically. Together, we can create a healthier, more empowering environment for every student.

Lourdes Zarro serves as the High School ESE Director at Calvary Christian Academy’s Fort Lauderdale campus. Having begun her career in 1989, Lourdes has over 30 years of experience helping families navigate the challenges associated with Attention Deficit Disorder, Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Varying Exceptionalities. As a parent, she has experienced the joy and challenges that come with having a child with a learning disability. She uses art as a tool to help children/adults and senior citizens rewire their brains by transforming limiting beliefs into positive thoughts.

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