Hyperfocusing Mndfulness to Help with Anxiety for Teens, Middle & High School

This lesson is designed for a small group or classroom setting. It can be implemented for all students as part of a Tier 1 PBIS strategy, or in smaller groups (Tier 2) or even one-on-one (Tier 3). Students will understand the difference between good and bad stressors and the effects anxiety has on the body. They will understand the role of the amygdala, and how it can sometimes "hijack" the rest of the brain in highly emotional or stressful situations. Students will realize that the ability to self-regulate is the greatest predictor of academic success, and will learn about and practice three different types of hyper-focusing mindfulness techniqes to determine which style works best for them. Hyperfocusing is a form of mindulness that not only helps with anxiety, but also works to improve the ability to self-regulate emotions.