Steady on the Beam
Charity Rodriguez • February 20, 2025
🌟Finding Calm & Navigating Anxiety
At Gravity Gymnastics, we believe in building strong minds just as much as strong bodies. Anxiety is something many kids experience, whether it’s worries about school, friendships, or even trying new things in gymnastics class. The good news? There are simple and effective ways to help manage those overwhelming feelings. Let’s explore our students, parents, and even coaches can support each other in finding calm. ✨
🧠 Understanding Anxiety in Kids
Anxiety can look different for every child. Some might express it as nervousness before class, while others might feel overwhelmed by everyday situations. Common signs of anxiety in kids include:
🔹 Restlessness or difficulty concentrating
🔹 Trouble sleeping
🔹 Avoiding certain activities
🔹 Feeling easily frustrated or upset
If this sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone! There are tools that can help.
🌈 Simple Strategies to Calm Anxiety 🌈
Here are some techniques that can help kids and adults manage anxious moments:
🌬️ Deep Breathing 🌬️
Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale through your mouth for 4. Repeat as needed.
🗣️ Positive Self-Talk 🗣️
Use affirmations like “I am strong” or repeat a calming mantra like "Breathe in calm, breathe out stress."
🌿 Nature Connection🌿
Take a mindful walk, go for a jog, or simply step outside for fresh air.
🎨 Creative Expression 🎨
Draw or color emotions or make a gratitude collage with words and images that bring joy.
🤗
How Parents Can Help
Supporting a child with anxiety doesn’t mean eliminating all stress—it means helping them learn to manage it. Here are some ways our coaches help our students that you can implement at home:
❤️ Validate Their Feelings: Instead of saying, “Don’t worry,” try, “I see that you’re feeling nervous. That’s okay, let’s work through it together.”
📅 Create a Routine: Predictability can ease anxiety. Having a structured schedule (especially for things like school, bedtime, and gymnastics class) can provide a sense of security.
🤝 Encourage, But Don’t Force: If your child is nervous about a new activity, support them by acknowledging their fears while gently encouraging them to try.
At Gravity Gymnastics, we don’t just focus on flips and obstacle courses—we help kids build resilience, confidence, and self-discipline. When students overcome challenges in class, they learn that they can tackle challenges outside the gym too!
Through movement, goal-setting, and positive encouragement, we’re helping kids develop the tools they need to handle big emotions. 💪
Kind Regards,
Gravity Family
