NeuroLogic® by Lakeside’s Post

This week, my students and I did some mandala coloring as our activity for tutor time. I discussed with them the potential benefits of mandala coloring, and how it can be an enjoyable activity to improve focus and release stress. As we colored, soft music filled the air, setting a serene atmosphere. It was more than just coloring; it was a chance for us to connect, to chat, and to check in with one another during this challenging exam season. Mandala is a form of art therapy that has been a subject of various research. Some studies link it to reduced stress, improved focus, and enhanced mood. For instance, in a study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, according to Curry and Kasser (2005), “Structured coloring of a reasonably complex geometric pattern may induce a meditative state that benefits individuals suffering from anxiety” (p. 81). After our colorful session, I introduced my students to the power of diaphragmatic breathing, or simply belly breathing, as one of the best techniques to calm down and reduce heartrate fast. I personally use this technique and share that, like them, I also encounter moments of stress and anxiety. Together, we practiced slow, deep breaths—inhaling through the nose, expanding the belly, without any tension in our shoulders, and exhaling slowly, allowing the belly to relax. Alongside these practices, prioritizing exercise, wholesome nutrition, and quality sleep forms the bedrock of student success. Most importantly, simply being there for our students, listening, empathizing, and understanding their struggles can make a world of difference. Now, I'd love to hear from you! What are some activities or strategies you do in your classes to help relieve stress and reduce test anxiety among your students, especially during exam season?  

Routines and Emotional Regulation in School Disruptions in routines can lead to heightened stress for neurodivergent students. Let’s respect the routines that help them feel safe. 💡 Tip: Ensure that classroom routines are visually displayed and referred to regularly. When changes to the routine are inevitable, explain why they are happening and give students time to prepare emotionally. You can also offer alternative activities to steady, such as sensory breaks, to help neurodivergent students regain their sense of stability. Use “first, then” language (e.g., “First we’ll have lunch, then we’ll go outside”) to help students anticipate what’s coming next. 💡 Consider Smells – Certain smells can be overwhelming or comforting for neurodivergent students. Avoid using strong scents (like perfumes or cleaning products) that may trigger sensory overload. Incorporating familiar, calming scents in a classroom environment can help soothe and support emotional regulation. 💡 Create Sensory Friendly Spaces – Designate a corner of the classroom as a sensory-friendly area where students can go to reset when feeling overwhelmed. Include items such as noise-canceling headphones, soft textures, and fidget toys to help them manage stress and regain focus. 💙 World Let’s Stop Shouting Day – The Neurodivergent Experience: Wednesday 6th of November Shouting disrupts emotional regulation, and this year we’re focusing on the importance of stable routines in helping neurodivergent students feel secure. Pausing before reacting can make all the difference. 💡 DM us or download free resources at https://lnkd.in/ey4tPDeS to create consistent, supportive environments for students. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ey4tPDeS WLSSD2024 #RespectRoutines #SupportAndStability #UnderstandingNeurodivergence #NeurodivergentSupport

We’re part of a body for our whole lives. And preferably we want it to be in good condition all the time. This requires you to search for information specific to your situation. This has one caveat: You’ll only learn what you think you need to know. But the body and how it moves is complex. This is why many times when you just search for snippets of information you’ll find yourself more confused than when you started. I learned this the hard way. I tried so many programs, weight training formats, and bodyweight routines it is hard to count. This attempt to collect the information by myself was a huge undertaking and cost me a lot. Had many physical issues like injuries and building bad nutrition habits. This weekend I was shown the power of a centralized place to get all the information you want. The power of physical education. During the weekend we ended the first year of the first-ever human movement study. With ‘we’ I mean practitioners, teachers, and physical learners from all over the world. We went through all the materials we learned this year together. - How to become better at moving no matter the starting point - Which qualities do you pay attention to help facilitate movement better - How to wake up specific joints and muscles - The role of play and dexterity in movement - Why rotation is a big player in how to move better - The importance of a cooldown - What role do human connections play in our learning processes - Etc. It showed me that a centralized place to get your information plays a critical role in how you change the way you operate. That’s why in The Physical Reset we don’t address movement alone. We zoom in on sleep, active recovery, passive recovery, nutrition, and habits. We want our members to have the right information at the right time so they can use it in their lives right away. Without having to search endlessly for snippets of information. Through a centralized and educated format. Receive more daily insights like this in The Physical Reset newsletter. Check link in bio.

Test anxiety can significantly impact a student’s cognitive abilities, making it difficult to retrieve information from long-term memory. Teachers can play a crucial role in alleviating this anxiety by incorporating relaxation techniques before quizzes, reminding students of their past successes, and encouraging them to visualize success. Additionally, regular practice with timed quizzes, cultivating good study habits, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are effective strategies to reduce test anxiety.

Educators face unique challenges that can impact their well-being. In her blog, "Radical Self-Care for Teachers," Franita Ware, PhD, explores how intentional self-care practices can significantly enhance educators' health and classroom dynamics. By implementing small, manageable changes, teachers can foster better physical and brain health, leading to improved student relationships and learning outcomes. Let's prioritize our well-being to inspire our students effectively. Read the full article to learn more about these impactful strategies. https://ow.ly/ahhK50UmCoN

Improving SATs Outcomes Mind Hack When talking with your children prior to taking tests, such as SATs or other exams you can help to set the right tone by framing likely feelings. For example, if a student gets anxious around tests, you can encourage them to understand that feeling anxious around a test is both normal and can be good for us - it can help to focus the mind. Students given the instructions below before a test in one study, did better on both mocks and finals. Why not try giving this to your students this exam season? ‘People think that feeling anxious while taking a standardized test will make them do poorly on the test. However, recent research suggests that arousal doesn’t hurt performance on these tests and can even help performance – people who feel anxious during a test might actually do better. This means that you shouldn’t feel concerned if you do feel anxious while taking today’s GRE test. If you find yourself feeling anxious, simply remind yourself that your arousal could be helping you do well.’ ' P142, The Expectation Effect

PSA to Parents! Is your student returning from university soon? The transition from high school student to young adult can be tricky at home for both students and parents. They've grown up, they've got opinions (strong ones!), and their idea of "adulting" might involve questionable sleep schedules. Here are some tips to nurture your relationship while respecting their independence. #Parenting #universitystudent #familydynamics https://lnkd.in/ePHjyB-b

Want Better Grades? Start School at 11 AM 🔔 A recent survey revealed that 72% of parents believe their children are getting enough sleep. However, the reality is starkly different, with only 11% of students actually sleeping properly. Teenagers' sleep cycles differ biologically from those of adults, causing them to fall asleep later at night and wake up later in day. Early school start times hinder their ability to get sufficient sleep, impacting their learning performance. Dr. Matthew Walker, author of "Why We Sleep," suggests delaying school start times to help students achieve better sleep, which in turn can improve their academic performance. In one of his studies, students showed significant improvement in grades when the school start time was delayed by one hour. According to Dr. Walker, the optimal start time for teenagers (ages 10 to 20) is 11:00 AM. #brain #productivity #education Adjusting school start times to better align with teenagers' natural sleep patterns could have a profound impact on their academic success and overall well-being.

Our paper on "Analyzing Sleep and Stress Patterns in College Students" got published today! This is a big moment for us because this paper started as a sophomore class project and has now been published as a book chapter in "Educational Philosophy and Sociological Foundation of Education". In this paper we explore a student's view of sleep as a negotiable luxury and the complex relationship between academic pressure, societal expectations, and the student's lack of awareness of the long-term effects of sleep deprivation. This would not have been possible without the invaluable efforts of our professor Dr. Geetha Mary A and my wonderful co-author Meghana D.. The link to the paper: https://lnkd.in/gWGgZfTf