Cooling Down Isn't the Same as Calming Down: Emotional Regulation Series

Hello my fabulous friends! I have a super special treat for you in this episode as my daughter Evi, who also has ADHD and her friend join us to share the difference between cooling down and calming down, as well as how it shows up for them in their lives!  We will share the difference between cooling down= suppressing big, intense emotions. Where calming down is the process of regulation.  Your body has to feel safe before it's ready to think!  Pressure cooker analogy- When steam builds up, we let it out safely... Cooling down= holding feelings inside, forcing stillness, looks calm outside, but stormy inside.. Calming down= Helps nervous system feel safe, letting your energy move through your body, and use tools to match your feelings!  Calm is something you feel, not something you fake!  When steam builds up- Heart beats fast, muscles tighten, thoughts get loud, thinking brain goes offline during big emotions! Our body needs safety signals before problem solving! Big feelings need body help first and brain help second!   How do we let out the steam safely!? Here are some ideas:  First identify which level of steam is coming out... High steam (angry/overloaded)= wall pushes, jump or shake arms, fast animal walk, sensory swing Medium steam ( frustrated/anxious)= squeeze pillow, hug trusted adult and talk about feelings, draw or journal feelings to release them... Low steam (sad/drained)= Intentional slow breathing, cozy blanket reset, gentle stretching... You don't stop the steam, you release it safely!  Now it's your turn to practice with your trusted adult or even you and a trusted green light friend can practice together! Great job practicing!!  Remember this... Your feelings aren't too big- Your body just needs the right tools! This is our last week with our fabulous sponsor "Inflow!" This amazing APP is a helpful tool for the whole family to use to learn and grow! They have made it their mission to bring the right solution  to individuals 13+ years old ( ADHD is VERY hereditarty- this is where learning and modeling as an older sibling or adult who also has a busy brain can be helpful.) Are you tired of your untamed ADHD owning you? This app is designed for those who have tried countless strategies and contiue to hit roadblocks!  To make it even easier, Inflow starts with a quick quiz that creates a personalized plan tailored to your brain- so you can finally connect with strategies that work for your uniquely wired mind.  I am thrilled to have Inflow as our sponsor this month, so that your whole family can feel seen, supported, and even more in control of your beautiful, brilliant brains!  Visit http://getinflow.io/adhdjourney to discover how you can get started using this helpful tool today!  Then you can visit me next at my website www.katelynmabry.com and let me know if your child would like to be a guest on a future podcast episode! I would also love to hear your kiddos topic ideas too! I am here to serve you! love you all!