FLE
Like our buddy FLE, we all feel afraid or worried sometimes. These feelings can keep us alert, motivated, and safe. But when worry continuously takes over, it can begin to interfere with our daily lives.
The team at Bend is here to equip you or your child with tools that will allow you to better cope with fear so that you can live life to the fullest.
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We all feel worried or afraid sometimes! FLE gets it and is here to tell you that fears are valid and normal.
Someone can feel afraid for a bunch of different reasons. They might experience:
- Physical symptoms, like stomach aches, headaches, or a rapid heart beat
- Irritability or change in mood
- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of restlessness
Fear can show up in different ways at every age! And it can help to have tools to turn to when your worries seem to take over.
That’s why we customized our content around what makes the most sense for you:
We all feel worried or afraid sometimes! FLE gets it and is here to tell you that fears are valid and normal.
Someone can feel afraid for a bunch of different reasons. They might experience:
- Physical symptoms, like stomach aches, headaches, or a rapid heart beat
- Irritability or change in mood
- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of restlessness
Fear can show up in different ways at every age! And it can help to have tools to turn to when your worries seem to take over.
That’s why we customized our content around what makes the most sense for you:
How can we help?
Fear is one of our most basic human emotions. It is wired into our nervous system to keep us safe and alert us when we feel a sense of danger. And while fear can be helpful, it can also limit our ability to try new things, reach our goals, and enjoy life to the fullest.
That’s why the clinical team at Bend has put together our top evidence-based tips to help you cope with fear and worry.
Here are FLE’s tips to help:
Take good care of the body
Getting proper sleep, nutrition, hydration, and movement can make a big difference in how a child feels. Work with your child to develop a strong bedtime routine.
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.
Whether it be thunderstorms or monsters under the bed, experiencing fears is a natural part of childhood. Teaching your child how to better understand and manage their fears can help them to build the confidence that they need to feel less afraid and more capable of handling whatever comes their way.
Here are FLE’s tips to help:
Give them a confidence boost
Encourage your child to try new things that are safe and age-appropriate to enhance their confidence. Help them set small goals that they can achieve.
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.
Practice affirmations
Like you, your child probably has an inner voice that is always chatting in their head. Let them know that they can turn to affirmations to give themselves a boost. Try writing some together like, “I am brave” or “I am proud of my effort. “
Create a Calming Corner in your home
Find a calm, quiet spot in your home where your child can go to regulate when they feel overwhelmed. It can include comfort items like books, stuffies, twinkle lights, or anything else they choose.
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.
We know it’s not easy to navigate fear, but by checking out these resources you’re doing a wonderful job of being an advocate for emotional resilience! The team at Bend is standing by to give you and your family all the support you need.