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Zones of Regulation

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Summary

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The Zones of Regulation is a social emotional curriculum and framework that helps students and adults learn how to self-regulate their emotions, sensory needs, and behaviors.  It divides our emotions into four zones: green for calm and happy, yellow for worried or frustrated, red for angry or anxious, and blue for sad or tired.

Frequently Asked Question

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Who can benefit from using Zones of Regulation?

Anyone can benefit from using Zones of Regulation, but it is particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with emotional regulation, such as children with autism, ADHD, or anxiety.

Can you use Zones of Regulation with adults?

Yes, Zones of Regulation can be used with adults. It is particularly helpful in professional settings where employees may experience high levels of stress or anxiety.

Can using Zones of Regulation be harmful in any way?

No, using Zones of Regulation is not harmful. However, it is important to note that emotional regulation is a complex process, and using Zones of Regulation alone may not be sufficient for individuals with more severe emotional difficulties. It is always best to seek professional help if emotional regulation is a significant concern.

Scientific Definition

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The Zones of Regulation paradigm assists us in understanding and managing our emotions. It’s like a map that shows us four different zones we can be in depending on how we feel. The first zone is the green zone, when we feel calm, happy, or focused. The second zone is the yellow zone, when we start feeling worried, frustrated, or excited. The third zone is the red zone, when we feel outraged, anxious, or out of control. The fourth zone is the blue zone, when we feel sad, tired, or sick. The Zones of Regulation teaches us strategies to move between the different zones or to stay in the green zone. These strategies include deep breathing, taking a break, or talking to someone we trust. We can learn to identify and manage our emotions using the Zones of Regulation.

Video Explanation

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Real World Example of Zones of Regulation

Meet Susie, a curious and imaginative child who loves exploring the world around her. One day, Susie discovered the Zones of Regulation, a magical concept that helped her understand and manage her emotions better. Join Susie on her exciting journey as she learns about the different zones and discovers helpful strategies to navigate her emotions.

  • Meet Susie, a bright and energetic child who loves going on adventures and trying new things.
  • One day, Susie woke up feeling a little sad and tired. She recognized that she was in the Blue Zone, a zone associated with low energy and feeling down.
  • Susie wondered what she could do to feel better. She remembered learning about the Zones of Regulation at school and decided to use some strategies she had learned.
  • She started by taking deep breaths and reminding herself that sometimes it’s okay to feel sad. This simple technique helped her feel a little calmer and more centered.
  • Susie came across a puppy playing in the park as she continued her day. Suddenly, she felt a surge of excitement and happiness. Susie realized she had entered the Green Zone, which is associated with feeling calm and content.
  • In the Green Zone, Susie felt focused and full of positive energy. She used this opportunity to engage in a game of fetch with the puppy and enjoyed the joyful moment.
  • Later in the day, Susie’s teacher announced a surprise test. Susie began to feel nervous and worried. She recognized that she had entered the Yellow Zone, the zone associated with heightened energy and emotions.
  • Susie knew it was essential to manage her anxiety, so she used a strategy called “turtle breathing.” She took slow breaths in and out, imagining herself inside a protective shell like a turtle. This technique helped her relax and feel more in control.
  • Finally, Susie was playing with her friends when a disagreement arose. She felt her anger rising and knew she had entered the Red Zone, the zone associated with intense emotions.
  • Susie remembered another strategy she learned: to take a break and count to ten before reacting. She excused herself, calmed down, and returned to the situation with a clearer mind. She could express her feelings calmly and find a solution with her friends.
  • Throughout her day, Susie realized everyone experiences different emotions and enters different zones. The Zones of Regulation helped her understand and manage her emotions effectively, leading to better interactions and greater well-being.

Susie’s journey with the Zones of Regulation taught her the importance of self-awareness and using strategies to navigate her emotions. By recognizing and understanding the different zones, Susie could regulate her feelings and have more positive and productive experiences.

How Do Zones of Regulation Work?

The Zones of Regulation is a framework that helps individuals, particularly children, develop emotional regulation skills. It categorizes emotions into four zones and provides strategies for managing them.

  1. Four zones: The framework divides emotions into Blue (low energy), Green (calm), Yellow (heightened energy), and Red (intense emotions) zones.
  2. Self-awareness: Individuals learn to recognize and understand their current emotional state.
  3. Tools and strategies: The framework offers strategies like deep breathing and taking breaks to help individuals manage their emotions.
  4. Social awareness: The framework encourages recognizing and understanding others’ emotions, promoting empathy and effective communication.
  5. Regulation across environments: The Zones of Regulation can be used in schools, homes, and therapy sessions to promote consistent emotional regulation.

The Zones of Regulation is a practical framework for emotional self-regulation, categorizing emotions into four zones and providing strategies for managing them in various settings.

This blog was originally published on Mar. 28, 2023. It was updated on Jan. 22, 2024.