SET UP HEALTHY HABITS AND ROUTINES DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR:
~ Get enough sleep: got to sleep at the same time every night and get al least 8 to 10 hours of sleep.
~ Eat healthy meals, avoiding excessive sweets and sodium. For example eat a breakfast full of proteins, whole grains and/or fruits. Lunch should be as balanced as breakfast and not consist of a pizza. Replace chips with fruits as a midday snack.
~ Be active outdoors or practice a sport.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND DIFFICULTIES WITH YOUR FAMILY.
~ Children: tell your parents if you are having difficulties socializing in school or participating in class
~ Parents: ask your child how they are doing in school and try to not make grades the focus of your attention and concern.
REFRAME NEGATIVE THOUGHTS:
~ Reframe negative thoughts in a more positive light. For instance, don’t think, “None of the kids in class will like me because they already know each other, and I’m new.” Replace it with, “I am probably not the only new kind in class”, or “I will just start talking to whoever is sitting next to me”.
~ It is easier to come out of your shell if you have a positive attitude.
~ Keep in mind that it is very unlikely that you are the only kid in school who feels intimidated or finds it difficult to talk with strangers.
DEVELOP INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
~ Learn how to initiate conversations and practice at home.
~ Join groups or clubs at school
~ Learn to be a good listener and don’t hijack the conversation.
LEARN RELAXATION TECHNIQUES:
Practice breathing techniques
Practice meditation
Learn other ways to alleviate your anxiety