TIP of the WEEK: Reducing Anxiety

Reducing and keeping anxiety levels low will decrease outbursts and increase quality of life. Try some of these techniques to reduce anxiety:

1. Mindfulness exercises. Practicing mindfulness can reduce anxiety during stressful times. Try guided visualizations and deep breathing to bring your child’s mind back to baseline.

2. Aromatherapy and essential oils. Both have shown to have a calming effect and keep help keep stress levels down.

3. Check your own pulse. If you remain calm and balanced your child is more likely to do the same.

4. Music is medicine. Use your child’s favorite music during transitional times. They will be more likely to focus on the song and less likely to focus on the stress of the transition.

Keeping anxiety low is essential in having a productive and incident free day. What are some of your go to tips?

Patrice Carroll is Latham Centers’ world-renowned Prader-Willi Syndrome specialist. She works with Latham Centers’ residents with PWS, their families and consultants, continuously learning and teaching about PWS best practices.