Stress and the On Campus Consideration

As a parent of three children who are enrolled in the K-12 public school system, I am torn about the issue of students returning to campus in the fall. 

Yes…it is imperative for kids to be in-school, in-person.  My wife and I noted a rapid regression in learning when education moved online in the spring.  There have also been social implications, especially for my rising first grader.

However, our inability as a country to effectively manage the current pandemic creates real and scary health and wellness issues for educators and students.  There are simply no easy answers for the current situation.

That’s why I found this blog post I penned six years ago to be relevant in today’s environment.

How the Grind of Stress Impacts Educators

30 Second Hypnosis for School and Test Success

I have just returned from a wonderfully relaxing and enjoyable vacation with my family at the Delaware shore.

While on the beach each day, I had the opportunity to speak with a number of students who are preparing to return to classes – high school, college and graduate level.  Each typically expressed excitement about their prospects for the coming year, yet also concern and, in some cases, dread about the pressures of exam performance.

The academic environment is defined by extended periods of preparation for tests that often comprise a significant percentage of a course grade.  This structure puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the student, often creating anxiety and stress which then impacts the ability to succeed.

We all know smart kids who are poor test takers, right?

Hypnosis and positive visualization can serve as a tool to help a student mitigate stress and mentally prepare for an exam.

Yes…they still have to study and understand the material.  Yet, increased focus (and decreased anxiety) allows a person’s talent, knowledge and confidence to shine.

I’ve included below an easy-to-follow 30 second process that you may want to try or share with others.

PS  This approach also works well for work-related presentations and projects.  

-Take a deep breath and visualize yourself pushing out stress and anxiety when exhaling

-Close your eyes and take another deep breath

-Count down in your mind slowly from five allowing yourself to relax with each number

-Visualize an accomplishment in your life you are proud of (academic, athletic, family, friendship, etc.)

-Think about how this accomplishment makes you feel: confident, secure and balanced

-Take another deep breath

-Count up slowly from one to five feeling yourself energize with each number

-Open your eyes  

On vacation with my family.