We can liken our body to that of a car engine. Just like an odometer in the car, we can use the body’s engine levels to measure motions and neurological energy states —basically, how you’re feeling in the moment.
It uses three main zones:
Red Zone or Too Fast: This is when your energy is way too high—you’re moving too fast and need to slow down. Emotions such as frustration, avoidance, anger or upset is also an indicator for the red zone. For students, this often looks like being super energetic and bouncing around. To help, you can give them calming activities that bring them back to the green zone.
Orange Zone Too Slow: This is when your energy is really low, and you’re feeling sluggish. Behaviours like day dreaming, looking lazy or disinterested can be seen. In this case, you’d need activities to pump things up and boost energy to get back on track.
Green Zone or Just Right: This is the sweet spot. The optimal window of alertness. It’s when you feel calm, focused, and ready to go. This is the goal for everyone.
Always remembering regulation means that your energy levels need to match the task. For example, you need a fast engine to run a race, but your mind is calm and focused and ready to follow through. We need a slow engine when we need to go to sleep at night!
CHANGING HOW ALERT YOU FEEL
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