Blog Post: Back to School and Anxiety

The beginning of the school year can be a very stressful event for kids/teens. This change in routine or the feeling of the unexpected can really cause anxiety to heighten during this time. Some changes we may see during this time include difficulty sleeping. Typically, it becomes hard to fall asleep at night and to stay asleep through the night as the brain is in a state of constant worrying. We may also see an increase in tummy aches or feeling ill. This ties back to our brain-gut connection. If our brain is on high alert or constantly worrying its going to start affecting other areas such as the gut. Another sign we may see is difficulty concentrating on tasks or in school. Depending on the stress load, individuals may also experience mental fog and a fluctuation in the symptoms listed above.

Some tips to to help with heightened anxiety include establishing a sleep routine. Summer break can cause one to quickly deviate from their routine with so much free time on their hands. One of the first things to become affected is sleep. To combat this, establishing a nightly wind down routine is key. This includes limiting screen time an hour before bed as this allows the brain to start to relax as bright light may mimic day light and hours of being awake. Another helpful tip to help with sleep includes a Himalayan salt lamp. This lamp mimics the warm colors of a sunset which helps with relaxation and sleep as opposed to blue light (light emitted from cellphones etc) which blocks the release of melatonin (sleep hormone)(Sleep foundation).

Another helpful tip to manage the symptoms of anxiety includes supplements and herbal remedies. One of these supplements that can help combat anxiety is Magnesium. Magnesium can be found in rice, pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, and flax seeds and can be added to food or snacks. You can also find Magnesium in powder form such as CALM which can be taken by kids and adults. Herbal remedies include Lavender which can be used with a diffuser, in a hot bath, or even as a spray over pillows to calm the nervous system, promote better sleep, and reduce anxiety. Another herbal remedy includes lemon balm. Lemon balm has been shown to be helpful with relieving anxiety, improving focus, and easing indigestion (Drlowdog). This can be consumed as a tea or in tincture form (can be found for kids) as well as diffused as an essential oil.

Last but not least, it is important to get adjusted during times of stress or changes in routine such as the beginning of the school year. When someone is stressed, they are running on stress/protection mode which can then affect sleep, concentration, and overall mood. Through chiropractic adjustments we can restore balance to the nervous system and initiate the calming aspect of your system therefore allowing for a smoother transition into the new school year.