Supporting our pupils in developing strategies to manage any pressures, and so perform at their best has long been one of our aims, but, especially given current events, some children may be finding it harder than ever to avoid being overwhelmed by uncertainly and feel a higher degree of anxiety than typical at this stage of their young lives.  There are more than a few parents and teachers who may be feeling this way too!  Whilst there are a whole range of strategies we can use to help us manage the stress we feel, I have been considering ‘controlling the controllables’ with Years 7 and 8 today.

It’s easier said than done, but acceptance is a big step towards reducing stress and feeling calm once again – acknowledging that there will be things we cannot control and that change can be an important part of our development. The uncertainty that comes along with focusing on the uncontrollables – things beyond our control – can breed worry, which may subsequently lead on to further negative effects.

The Mental Health Foundation suggest that a great way to remove uncertainty is by relating your situation to something you have previously experienced. This can be tricky when you are 12 or 13, but it will begin to remove any ambiguity, which may well simultaneously reduce anxiety.  Further more, we can focus on the things in our lives that are within our control.  We can plan and prepare.  We can seek support from others.  We can take a step back – and a deep breath as we learnt the week before – and accept that there are certain things over which we have little sway and can therefore allow them to naturally take their course.  As I stated, easier said than done, but our emotional response is something over which we have some control – even if all our elastic is stretched at the moment.