Lack of structure and changes in routine can lead to an abundance of negative thoughts and mood-related issues. There are a variety of tools we can use in our everyday lives to combat this “blah” feeling and help us positively reimagine our days, reduce anxiety, and boost motivation.
Setting Goals: You can help promote your child’s ability to get through a difficult day. Normalize facing challenges by asking your child what their goals are for the day, big or small. It’s important to give kids permission to recalibrate and believe in themselves.
Micro-Tasking: Break big challenges into smaller, doable tasks. Intersperse the completion of each smaller task with something pleasurable, like a snack or a walk to the park. With time, you can get through small challenges and overcome them.
Behavioral Activation: There is no magic to increasing motivation — there has to be action. The easiest way to get to the action is through activities your child enjoys; you can borrow that momentum and turn it into motivation in other areas.
For more ideas, check out our article Back to School/Back to Life with Anxiety Specialists at CARE-LA: The Takeaway.
