AXE
Feeling worried can be the pits. And if you’re like AXE, it can cause you actually to feel like there is a pit in your stomach! Experiencing worry or anxiety is natural, and it can help to warn us of dangers and motivate us to complete tasks. But it can become overwhelming and start to affect our daily lives.
AXE and the team at Bend are here with evidence-based tools and resources to help understand and move through worries.
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Experiencing worry is a part of life, but it can sometimes be difficult to cope with. That’s why understanding the triggers and signs of anxiety can help you or the child in your life manage symptoms and feel less worried.
Someone can feel worried for a bunch of different reasons. They might experience:
- Irritability or change in mood
- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of restlessness
- Sweating or rapid breathing
And here at Bend Health, we understand there’s a big difference between a toddler who's worried about leaving their parents, a 7 year old nervous about a test at school and a 19 year old who is facing brand new life decisions.
That’s why we customized our content around what makes the most sense for you:
Experiencing worry is a part of life, but it can sometimes be difficult to cope with. That’s why understanding the triggers and signs of anxiety can help you or the child in your life manage symptoms and feel less worried.
Someone can feel worried for a bunch of different reasons. They might experience:
- Irritability or change in mood
- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of restlessness
- Sweating or rapid breathing
And here at Bend Health, we understand there’s a big difference between a toddler who's worried about leaving their parents, a 7 year old nervous about a test at school and a 19 year old who is facing brand new life decisions.
That’s why we customized our content around what makes the most sense for you:
How can we help?
Anxiety is the sensation that sounds the alarm within you. We all need some amount of anxiety to be motivated enough to try new things and show up for our responsibilities, but too much, and we may feel stuck, want to fight or run away. Here are some tools to help you better understand and cope with your worries.
How to have a healthier relationship with social media
Social media can be a great way to connect with others, but looking at everyone else's perfectly curated moments can also have a negative impact on how we feel. Consider deleting apps from your phone, curating a feed that brings more joy, or setting time limits on your apps.
Challenge negative self-talk
There is so much power in the words that we tell ourselves, so begin to notice what your inner voice is saying and challenge any negative self-talk. Watch for words like “never” or “always” and try reframing them to more accurate, helpful statements.
Practice mindfulness
Simple breath work is a clinically-proven way to relax the body and mind, decrease heart rate, and lower stress levels. You can try practicing meditation, yoga, or simply taking time to take a few deep breaths throughout your day.
Get creative
Coloring can be a great activity to reduce stress. Show off your artistic skills and share a photo to social media tagging @hellobendhealth so we can see your creations.
Take time to track moods
Remind your kiddo or teen that all feelings are valid. Give them permission to feel a range of things. Consider doing a mood tracking exercise together to introduce a language of emotions.
Practice deep breathing together
Simple breath work is a clinically-proven way to relax the body and mind, decrease heart rate, and lower stress levels. You can show your child how to put their hand on their belly and chest and to take deep breaths in through the nose, hold, and then out slowly through their mouth.
Create a routine.
We are creatures of habit. A consistent bedtime routine lets your child know when it’s time to calm down and prepare for rest. Consider doing soothing activities like giving your child a bath, putting on PJs, brushing teeth, and reading before bed.
Anxiety is a normal part of life, but it’s not always easy to recognize the difference between typical worries and anxiety disorders, especially in more stressful times. If you or your child feel worried often and it interferes with daily functioning, the team at Bend can help. Reach out to learn more about our customized support plans designed for you and your family.