I strongly suggest you take a look at my new website that I created! It’s to help people with these kinds of issues. Just create an account which is completely free! Ask and post questions there! Also feel free to help others!
Since you have a long question, I’m going to give you a pretty long response!
I’ve had anxiety in the past, so I can understand how you feel. Mine was related to too much stress in school and work, and also to unknown allergies in my diet. I had my first panic attack while driving on the highway, and I felt like I was going to pass out, have a heart attack, or just die. No fun at all.
First off, take some slow, deep breaths. Preferably through your nose, with your diaphragm (check that it’s moving my placing your hand on your stomach). If you breathe through your mouth too quickly, with your chest instead of your diaphragm, that is enough to hyperventilate and trigger a panic attack. So breathing is VERY important.
On to your presentation. I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to worry about it. Presentations are not easy, and many people struggle with them. In fact, I heard that public speaking is the number one fear. So you are not at all alone. I’m sure there are some of your classmates feeling the same way. The best thing for presenting is practicing. Practice to your family or just to yourself in the mirror. You will be fine. Even if you make a mistake, people may not know, and if they do, so what?! Make it into a joke, like you didn’t care that you made that mistake. Just be positive and easy-going, and it will go great.
You do sound like you have a lot on your plate for homework. Have you tried managing your time, meaning drawing out a table that shows when you will do homework for certain classes, when you will have your breaks (very important – at least 5 mins every hour), and when you will stop doing your work? This could be really helpful. Your mom is right though, you do need to get your sleep. But you also should find some time to do some stuff you love – maybe outdoor activities, reading, team sports, hanging out with friends, etc. You should also try to stop any homework at least a couple hours before bed, or else thinking about it may keep you up. For me, I find yoga to be very relaxing, and helps to squash any anxiety. Also, try to stay away from caffeine and sugar…this can make anxiety worse. Do you have a counsellor at your school? They will probably be able to help you with a time management plan.
If it’s the particular teacher, maybe you and your parents could also sit down with him and talk about this issue. Remember, this teacher is just a person too, and sometimes the power of being a teacher can go to their heads. In the future, you may even be more educated than him! (That’s the case for me..lol)
It sounds like your anxiety comes from your ability to perform (whether in presentations, spanish class, homework). I understand this because I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist. You just need to tell yourself that the outcome will be ok no matter what. You are a smart person, and you know your stuff. You’re obviously working really hard! When you look back at school when you’re older, you’ll realize how these little things don’t really matter. Take a few slow, deep breaths, and tell yourself (and know) that you’ll have a good presentation no matter what. Go for it, girl!
Wanna talk about it?
I strongly suggest you take a look at my new website that I created! It’s to help people with these kinds of issues. Just create an account which is completely free! Ask and post questions there! Also feel free to help others!
Here’s the Website address http://s1.zetaboards.com/Help_Center/index/
Good Luck!
.: Ryan :.
Since you have a long question, I’m going to give you a pretty long response!
I’ve had anxiety in the past, so I can understand how you feel. Mine was related to too much stress in school and work, and also to unknown allergies in my diet. I had my first panic attack while driving on the highway, and I felt like I was going to pass out, have a heart attack, or just die. No fun at all.
First off, take some slow, deep breaths. Preferably through your nose, with your diaphragm (check that it’s moving my placing your hand on your stomach). If you breathe through your mouth too quickly, with your chest instead of your diaphragm, that is enough to hyperventilate and trigger a panic attack. So breathing is VERY important.
On to your presentation. I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to worry about it. Presentations are not easy, and many people struggle with them. In fact, I heard that public speaking is the number one fear. So you are not at all alone. I’m sure there are some of your classmates feeling the same way. The best thing for presenting is practicing. Practice to your family or just to yourself in the mirror. You will be fine. Even if you make a mistake, people may not know, and if they do, so what?! Make it into a joke, like you didn’t care that you made that mistake. Just be positive and easy-going, and it will go great.
You do sound like you have a lot on your plate for homework. Have you tried managing your time, meaning drawing out a table that shows when you will do homework for certain classes, when you will have your breaks (very important – at least 5 mins every hour), and when you will stop doing your work? This could be really helpful. Your mom is right though, you do need to get your sleep. But you also should find some time to do some stuff you love – maybe outdoor activities, reading, team sports, hanging out with friends, etc. You should also try to stop any homework at least a couple hours before bed, or else thinking about it may keep you up. For me, I find yoga to be very relaxing, and helps to squash any anxiety. Also, try to stay away from caffeine and sugar…this can make anxiety worse. Do you have a counsellor at your school? They will probably be able to help you with a time management plan.
If it’s the particular teacher, maybe you and your parents could also sit down with him and talk about this issue. Remember, this teacher is just a person too, and sometimes the power of being a teacher can go to their heads. In the future, you may even be more educated than him! (That’s the case for me..lol)
It sounds like your anxiety comes from your ability to perform (whether in presentations, spanish class, homework). I understand this because I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist. You just need to tell yourself that the outcome will be ok no matter what. You are a smart person, and you know your stuff. You’re obviously working really hard! When you look back at school when you’re older, you’ll realize how these little things don’t really matter. Take a few slow, deep breaths, and tell yourself (and know) that you’ll have a good presentation no matter what. Go for it, girl!