Anxiety + Avoidance: From Pressure to Performance

Why does anxiety seem to be so prevalent these days? What is it, and how does it show up? Avoidance is a typical response (for both staff + students), which becomes unproductive and further overwhelms us. In this session, we will demonstrate the stress process in the brain and body, explain the difference between anxiety and anxiety disorder, and offer practical strategies to mitigate this common issue to benefit staff, students, and caregivers. Key Takeaways: 1. Gain tools + strategies to effectively manage anxiety responses. 2. Understand the brain-body connection to reduce reactivity to stress + anxiety. 3. Integrate simple strategies into daily practice for a more stable learning environment where students more confidently engage.