The physical impact (the push) is critical and it begins with counting. Exerting
yourself allows your prefrontal cortex to take control and focus you on a positive
explanation. When you first start using this strategy you might have to repeat it 27
times in one hour. The first time our 11-year-old used it to beat his anxiety about
sleeping over at a friend’s house, he said “I’m excited to sleep over” over and over
for the entire six-mile drive ... bless his little heart.
When I pulled into Quinn’s driveway, I put the car in park and said, “How are
you doing?” He responded, “My heart is still racing and my stomach feels funny,
but I’m excited to sleep over.” That was six months ago. His anxiety about
sleepovers is gone. He’s now actually excited. And that’s the power of this tool: It
truly works.