Zones of Regulation Resource
The Zones of Regulation is a therapeutic activity designed to help children and young people develop self-regulation skills. Self-regulation is the ability to manage emotions, behaviours, and attention in response to different situations and demands. The Zones of Regulation categorise emotions and behaviours into four colour-coded zones:
- The Blue Zone: This zone represents when someone is feeling sad, tired, sick, or bored. They may feel slow or lethargic, and their energy level may be low.
- The Green Zone: This zone represents when someone is feeling happy, calm, or focused. They are ready to learn, socialise, and engage in activities.
- The Yellow Zone: This zone represents when someone is feeling frustrated, anxious, or excited. They may have elevated energy levels, a faster heartbeat, or a harder time focusing.
- The Red Zone: This zone represents when someone is feeling angry, aggressive, or out of control. They may have very high energy levels, rapid breathing, and an inability to focus.
The Zones of Regulation teaches children and young people to recognise these different zones and understand the different feelings and behaviours associated with each zone.
Through this process, they learn strategies to regulate their emotions and behaviours, such as deep breathing, taking a break, or using positive self-talk. The Zones of Regulation is used in many different settings, including schools, therapy, and home environments.
It helps children and young people develop important life skills that can help them manage stress, build healthy relationships, and achieve success in their academic and personal lives.
