Disclaimer – I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!

*Rated M for Mature

Anxiety

"Since you're all teenagers and more than likely deal with a lot of stress," started Mr. Wilson, "we're going to talk about anxiety and how you can deal with it."

"Everyone has feelings of anxiety, nervousness, tension, and stress from time to time," said Ms. Stuart. "Now can anyone come up with an idea for how to manage anxiety?"

"Become a relaxation expert!" cried Duke. He received awkward glances in response. "What? That's what my therapist says!"

"You have a therapist?" inquired Kaiba, eyebrow raised skeptically.

"Hey, ya don't gotta judge Duke like that with that little eyebrow thing ya got goin' on. You've got a therapist, too," stated Joey.

"I wasn't judging him!" Kaiba snapped. "And it's people like you who end up putting me in therapy because of all things you put me through!"

Joey's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Things? What kinda things?"

"That's between me and my therapist," he deadpanned. But there was a tinge of pink on his cheeks as he said that.

Mr. Wilson cleared his throat. "Now that we've got that settled, let's go back to what Duke suggested. About becoming a relaxation expert.

"We all think we know how to relax. But chilling out in front of the T.V. or computer isn't true relaxation; depending on what you're watching or doing, it could even make you tenser. The same is true for alcohol, drugs, or tobacco. They may seem to relieve anxiety or stress, but it's a false state of relaxation that's only temporary.

"What the body really needs is a relaxation technique — like deep breathing, tai chi, or yoga — that has a physical effect on the mind. For example, deep breathing helps to relax a major nerve that runs from the diaphragm to the brain, sending a message to the entire body to let go and loosen up."

"What else might you be able to do to manage your anxiety?" asked Ms. Stuart.

"Get enough sleep, nourishment, and exercise," offered Kaiba.

"Great!" she said. "Want your mind and body to feel peaceful and strong enough to handle life's ups and downs? Get the right amount of sleep for your needs — not too much or too little. Eat well! Choose fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains for long-term energy, instead of the short bursts that come from too much sugar or caffeine. And exercise to send oxygen to every cell in the body so your brain and body can operate at their best."

"What else can you do?" asked Mr. Wilson.

"Connect with others?" suggested Joey.

"Very true," the man continued. "Spend time with friends or family. Organized activities are great, but just hanging out works, too. Doing things with those we feel close to deepens our bonds, allowing us to feel supported and secure. And the fun and sharing that go with it allow us to feel happier and less upset about things. If you feel worried or nervous about something, talking about it with someone who listens and cares can help you feel more understood and better able to cope. You'll be reminded that everyone has these feelings sometimes. You're not alone."

"Anything else?" inquired Ms. Stuart.

"Connect with nature," said Tea. The class laughed at her. "What the hell is your problem? It really helps me out!"

"She's actually quite right," said Ms. Stuart. The giggling ceased. "Heading out for a walk in the park or a hike in the woods can help anyone feel peaceful and grounded. Choose somewhere you feel safe so you can relax and enjoy your surroundings. Walking, hiking, trail biking, or snowshoeing offer the additional benefit of exercise. Invite a friend or two — or a family member — along and enjoy feeling connected to people as well."

"Do we have maybe one more?" started Mr. Wilson.

"Um, think positive?" offered Yugi.

"That's a really good one," Mr. Wilson replied. "A great way to keep our minds off the worry track is to focus our thoughts on things that are good, beautiful, and positive. Allow yourself to dream, wish, and imagine the best that could happen.

"On another note, when anxiety or worry feels extreme, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. For someone who has an anxiety disorder, getting proper care from a health professional is important. These tips can help too, of course. But professional treatment is the only way to shake an anxiety disorder.

"And that's it for today. See you tomorrow."

The (factual) information I got for this drabble came from KidsHealth.