Stress is all around us. Dealing with the daily stresses of life can be hard for kids, teenagers and adults alike. Coping with stress in healthy ways can help children develop the skills they need to adapt and move forward from stressful situations.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, stress is a condition characterized by symptoms of emotional tension. It is also typically a reaction to a situation that causes anxiety.
Levels of stress can vary depending on the situation or perceived situation and the child’s ability to cope. The fact is that stress is inevitable. However, instead of trying to avoid stress, a child can learn to manage it in a positive way. This can help the child develop tools and ways of coping that can benefit the child throughout life.
Here are some practical tips to help children cope with stress.
Breathe: When your child becomes overwhelmed, he or she might forget to breathe normally. Encourage your child to stop what he or she is doing and take some deep breaths. This can help calm your child and assist him or her to regain focus.
Exercise: Your child’s mental and physical health improves when he or she exercises. Exercise increases oxygen flow to the brain and produces endorphins that decrease feelings of stress and anxiety. Make sure to choose activities that he or she finds fun or enjoys (e.g. playing in the park or playing soccer).
Talk to someone: Encourage your child to talk about his or her feelings with caregivers. This can help relieve stress almost immediately. Having meaningful conversations with caregivers can be a great chance to explore and address your child’s emotions.
Write or draw: It may not come easily to some, but writing or drawing can help show personal feelings your child is unable to verbally express. Journaling or sketching can help relieve stress anywhere at any time.
Get sleep: Sleeping affects how your child thinks, acts, looks and feels. A good night’s sleep allows the body to recharge. Allowing your child to get at least seven to eight hours of quality sleep is just the beginning. Make sure your son or daughter’s sleep is uninterrupted. Help your child get ready for sleep by avoiding too much physical activity or other stimulating activities like video games or television, as these can make the mind overly active and make it difficult to fall asleep easily.
Recognize the signs of stress in your child’s life. Consult a doctor if your son or daughter’s sleeping habits change or if he or she starts exhibiting harmful behavior.
Dr. Donald Sharps is the medical director of Behavioral Health Integration at CalOptima in Orange County. CalOptima serves more than 740,000 members with a network of more than 7,000 primary care doctors and specialists, as well as 30 hospitals.
