Zones of Regulation - Body Clues

In wellness classes students have learned the physiological cues our bodies give them to help them figure out what zone they are in. This in turn will help them increase their self awareness and, in turn, self regulate. Here are the body clues that we discussed. Keep in mind that this is a simplified list. There are other clues and they vary from person to person. 

Blue Zone: low energy, body aches, head aches, cranky and not thinking clearly.

Green Zone: able to focus on the present, body still, breathing normal, normal heart rate.

Yellow Zone: body feels warmer, rapid/shallow breaths, heart beating faster, fidgety/can't keep still, brain not focused, muscles tense/ache, wanting to flee/leave the situation, negative thoughts.

Red Zone: talking louder or faster (yelling), running off/away, hard to think clearly, hands into fists, teeth clenched, sweating, body shaking, out of control. 

For an intro to the Zones, check out my previous post: Zones of Regulation - Intro. Also check out: The Zones of Regulation. You can also reach me with questions by email: jstevenson@huusd.org. 

Zones of Regulation - Intro

In wellness classes this year the focus has been on the Zones of Regulation. The Zones is an approach used to teach self-regulation by categorizing all the different ways we feel and states of alertness we experience into four concrete colored zones: blue, green yellow and red. 

The Blue Zone is used to describe low states of alertness and down feelings such as when one feels sad, tired, sick, or bored.  

The Green Zone is used to describe a calm state of alertness. A person may be described as happy, focused, content, or ready to learn when in the Green Zone.  This is the zone where optimal learning occurs.  

The Red Zone is used to describe extremely heightened states of alertness and intense emotions.  A person may be elated or experiencing anger, rage, devastation, or terror when in the Red Zone. 

The Yellow Zone is also used to describe a heightened state of alertness and elevated emotions, however one has more control when they are in the Yellow Zone.  A person may be experiencing stress, frustration, anxiety, excitement, silliness, the wiggles, or nervousness when in the Yellow Zone.  

Students across the grades have learned how to identify what zone they are in by paying attention to their bodies,  the importance of matching their state of alertness to the situation and what tools they can use to manage their alertness. For example, rapid breathing may indicate that the person is in the yellow zone and could cool down by taking some deep breaths or counting to ten. For more information, check out: The Zones of Regulation. You can also reach me with questions by email: jstevenson@huusd.org.