Do you have a child who is anxious? Who worries often? Or who is scared of things? Or who avoids things?
Maybe it’s you who has anxiety?
Do you struggle to understand what is going on in your body and mind? And how to explain it to your child or teen?
“Hey Warrior” by Karen Young is a fantastic illustrated Children’s book that does the job well.
The illustrations are incredibly lovely. I adore the character who is the Amygdala. I seriously need one as a stuffed animal.
This is a great way to introduce the Amygdala to your kids.
The Amygdala is a small almond shaped part of your brain in the lower back half of your head.
Its job is to warn you of danger, to keep you safe. In the book, she calls the Amygdala a fierce warrior, a superhero.
The Amygdala doesn’t stop to think if a perceived threat is really dangerous or not. It just starts pumping oxygen, hormones and adrenaline throughout your body so you’ll be ready to battle whatever comes.
This is handy when you really are in danger, allowing you to run fast or have great strength.
But if you don’t need all this extra energy, it can leave you feeling not so good. If you don’t use the energy, it can build up inside you leaving you feeling weak, shaky, nausea, sweaty, and having shallow breathing.
Why does your body do this? Because the Amygdala is preparing you to fight or flee the danger. Here’s a list of what is happening and why:
- Shallow and fast breathing/flushed and warm cheeks –
- Because the oxygen is sent to muscles for running/fighting
- Dizzy/confused –
- Because oxygen builds inside and normal carbon dioxide levels drop
- Rapid heartbeat –
- To help move the energy in the body where it is needed.
- Tight or wobbly legs/arms
- Because fuel or energy is sent to the area needed to lift or run, etc
- Tears or anger
- Because the Amygdala is working really hard, stimulating your emotions
- Sweaty
- Because the body is cooling itself down so it doesn’t overheat
- Butterflies in your stomach/nausea
- Because the digestive system slows down to send energy for running/fighting
But, if there isn’t a real threat, we can talk to our Amygdala and thank it for being our protector, letting it know we are ok and it can relax.
“Hey Amygdala (or whatever you like to call it), thanks, but I’m really ok now” This keeps YOU in charge of your anxiety symptoms.
Taking slow deep breaths can help your oxygen levels get back to normal.
Remember that nothing has gone wrong and your body is functioning just as it should.
If you are about to run a race or speak in front of a group or go cliff-jumping or sing a solo, you can thank the Amygdala for getting your body ready. Its helping you perform at your best and have the extra strength you want to succeed.
“Hey Amygdala, thanks for getting me ready. This is uncomfortable, but it will help me! I’m excited!”
Would you like help teaching this to your family? Would you like help with your own anxiety? I’ve been there, I can help you!
I’m doing free sessions for missionaries and parents. Schedule a time for a FREE session. Have a quick question? Shoot me an email at info@jillfreestone.com. I’d love to hear from you.
