It’s a new school year. By now, all the schools – including Coconino Community College and Northern Arizona University – are open for business.
School can be stressful for students, teachers and even parents. This shows up in many ways: test and social anxiety, fear of public speaking and failure, procrastination. Then there are the lacks: lack of sleep, confidence and motivation.
Here are few techniques to make this year more successful, calmer and happier:
If you are focusing on negative possibilities in the future (no matter how unlikely) or are stuck reliving negative experiences in the past, remember none of those things are happening right now. Bring attention to the present, like breathing or focusing on something in the immediate environment. This technique works well when taking a test. Focus on one question. Let everything else go.
Put things into perspective. Even if a test is failed, a paper gets a low grade, or a speech isn’t perfect, how important is that going to be in the big picture? Will it even matter a year from now? Will an employer ask about it in four years?
Often, “good enough” is good enough. Perfection gets in the way of getting things done. With all the information available, it is impossible to get every fact. Do what can be done in the time available and let go of everything else. Some students suffer stress over meaningless points. Whether you score a 96%, 98% or 100%, these are all “As!” A student with a solid “A” doesn’t need to do extra work unless it is to learn something new or is part of a longer-term plan.
Replace negative self-talk with positive statements. Use positive language. “I hope I don’t fail this test,” means the same as, “I hope I pass this test,” logically. The subconscious isn’t logical.
An education is to gain skills, learn about one’s self, understand how to analyze information and interact in the world. It also can be a time to discover what causes stress or unhappiness and how to remain happy, calm and relaxed. FBN
By Don Berlyn, PT
For more information, contact Don Berlyn, PT, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist at 928-699-8263, flaghypno@gmail.com or visit flagstaffhypnotherapy.com. Consultations are always free.