Coping with Anxiety

This week, both online and, physically, in school, the Secondary School unpacked the issue of anxiety. 

Despite current challenges, we try not to let anxiety change us - we pledge to be open minded, we strive to be balanced, we aim to be kind and understanding. And this is why we are making a conscious choice to manage our anxiety, rather than let it rule us. Addressing it and working through anxiety is so important because we cannot allow that feeling of fear to destroy all the positive traits that make us who we are. 

Anxiety is something normal. It's our reaction to stress experienced by all of us at some point of our lives, albeit to a completely different extent and/or with a varied frequency. Whilst we don't have the control of the causes of our stress, we can certainly decide how we deal with the feelings of anxiety.

On Monday, in Key Stage groups, students and teachers came up with strategies that can make us stronger and help us stay positive. Not all of them will apply to everyone but it was all about choosing one that works for you! Sharing our experiences on dealing with anxiety successfully, supports others who might be struggling to come to terms with their feelings. 

• Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.

• Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand.

• Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks. (teachers) 

• Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.

• Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health. Check out the fitness tips below.

• Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.

• Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.

• Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn't possible, be proud of however close you get.

• Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think?

• Welcome humor. A good laugh goes a long way.

• Maintain a positive attitude. Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

• Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.

• Learn what triggers your anxiety. Is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify? Write in a journal when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.

• Talk to someone. Tell friends and family you’re feeling overwhelmed, and let them know how they can help you. Talk to a physician or therapist for professional help.

Coming back to physical school will inevitably cause anxiety. Whether it is the worry about the virus, academic work, new campus environment or friendship groups, being willing to engage in conversations about our feelings is key to understanding ourselves and others. At BCB, there are many opportunities to do that: at the PSHE sessions, with the tutor, in the Student Mentoring Programme or in the Rainbows and Unicorns group. Yet, above all, we know that anxiety is not a taboo at BCB as everyone is open to listen and to support each other. 

Anna Davis

Deputy Head of Secondary