For the past few weeks, we’ve been learning about the Zones of Regulation and how to use it at home with your child. Here is some helpful information about the green zone!
The green zone is characterized by a calm state of alertness where the nervous system feels regulated, safe and connected. In order to effectively access the parts of our brain that allow us to think logically and relate to others, like our prefrontal cortex and limbic system, our brains and bodies need to be regulated. When discussing the green zone with kids, we talk about having a balanced level of energy, not too high or too low, feeling in control and being able to think before we act. The green zone is really useful in times where we need to process and retain information or follow directions, like at school or in dance class. Feelings in the green zone might be happy, calm, content, focused, or just neutral.
While the green zone is often considered most comfortable for our bodies and ideal for the classroom, it is not the only “good” zone. Sometimes we need to return to green for optimal learning or because another zone is uncomfortable (hello racing heart of red zone!), but that does not mean that the green zone is the “best”.
Ways to support the green zone:
Make sure that children (and adults!) are getting adequate sleep and have other basic needs met.
Practice using strategies like getting a drink of water or using a fidget to maintain green during times when it is needed.
Having connection time with friends and family; relationships are rewarding and regulating!
Implementing predictable and consistent routines and structure into daily living.
