Understanding the zones of regulation and how to apply strategies
You may have heard about the zones of regulations before. Understanding how the approach works is not complicated at all. The good news is there are many zones of regulation resources that can help you implement the approach in everyday situations.
What is ‘zones of regulations’?
Zones of Regulation is an approach used to support and encourage the development of self-regulation. Think of all the different levels of alertness the average person may feel in one day. The zones of regulation approach splits the states of alertness into four simple to identify categories or zones.
What are the four zones of regulations?
The four zones of regulations are the blue zone, the green zone, the yellow zone, and the red zone. Each zone has a specific set of specific feelings/level of alertness that tend to go hand in hand. The theory is that by being able to self-identify the zone you are in, the easier it is to get the appropriate help. The other benefit is the development of self-regulation.
By being able to easily point to the appropriate zone/colour, an individual with limited communication skills can share how they are feeling.
The Blue Zone
The Blue Zone is used to describe low states of alertness. Examples include feeling sad, tired, sick, or bored. In the traditional sense of feeling blue, the blue zone is used to express feeling down or slow.
The Green Zone
The Green Zone is used to describe a regulated state of alertness. A person may be described as calm, happy, focused, or content when in the Green Zone. Being in the Green Zone indicates an individual is in control of themselves.
The Yellow Zone
The Yellow Zone is also used to describe a heightened state of alertness. Most individuals in yellow will have some control over themselves. A person may be experiencing stress, frustration, anxiety, excitement, silliness, nervousness, confusion, and many more slightly elevated emotions. Being in the Yellow Zone is an indication that an individual is beginning to lose some control.
The Red Zone
The Red Zone is used to describe extremely heightened states of alertness and intense feelings. A person may be experiencing anger, rage, explosive behavior, panic, terror, or elation when in the Red Zone. Being in the Red Zone is an indication that an individual has lost control of their feelings and needs help.
How can I use the zones of regulations?
There are many ways you can implement ‘Zones of Regulation’ as a means to manage behaviour. The first step is to understand the theory and the second step is picking the right resources. We have a range of zones of regulation resources to purchase in our store.
By understanding the four zones, the paths between the zones, and their characteristics, an individual will get a better understanding of the emotions they are feeling, and over time, pick the appropriate response. We have created a Zones Of Regulation Visual Learning Resources board as part of our emotions range.
