What Is Stress?
Have you ever felt sick to your stomach during a test? Have you had days when you were so loaded down with homework that you had trouble sleeping? Have you ever been so worried about something that you ended up with a terrible headache?
If so, then you know what it's like to feel stress. You've probably heard people say, "Wow, I'm really stressed out" or "This is making me totally stressed." Maybe you hear adults say those kinds of things all the time. But kids have lots of things going on in their lives that can cause stress, too.
Stress is what you feel when you are worried or uncomfortable about something. This worry in your mind can make your body feel bad. You may feel angry, frustrated, scared, or afraid — which can give you a stomachache or a headache.
It may seem like there’s nothing that can be done about stress, but you have a lot more control than you might think.
Stress management helps break the hold stress has on your life, so you can be happier, healthier, and more productive. The ultimate goal is a balanced life, with time for school, friendship, family, relaxation, and fun—and the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on.
Can stress be a good thing?
In small doses experts say stress can actually have some positive effects.
Medium levels of stress can enhance your motivation. For example, the stress of a school deadline can help you focus and pay more attention because time is running out.
Stress will often be a part of the goals you work the hardest at. The accomplishments that you are most proud of and bring the most meaning in your life are often hard and stressful. The journey of working through the stress to reach your goals gives meaning to your struggles and accomplishments.
Laughter is the best medicine
According to the Mayo clinic, when you start to laugh, it doesn't just lighten your load mentally, it actually creates physical changes in your body.
Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins (feel good chemicals in your body) that are released by your brain.
Laughing fires up and then cools down your stress response, and it can increase and then decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling.
Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which can help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.
Rest and Refresh
- 6- to 12-year-olds need 9 to 12 hours/day
- 13- to 18-year-olds need 8 to 10 hours/day
Sleep is a powerful stress reducer. Sleep calms and restores the body, improves concentration, regulates mood, and sharpens judgment and decision-making. You are a better problem solver and are better able to cope with stress when you’re well-rested.
Coloring: It's Not Just for Little Kids
Coloring has therapeutic potential to reduce anxiety, create focus or bring about more mindfulness
Coloring relaxes the brain. When thoughts are focused on a simple activity, the brain relaxes and the difficulties of life fade from our awareness.
The act of coloring requires repetition and attention to detail. This allows the brain to switch off other thoughts and focus instead on the act of coloring.
“The time to relax is when you don't have time for it.” – Sydney J. Harris
Healthy Eating
Proper diet can counterbalance the impact of stress by strengthening the immune system, stabilizing moods, and reducing blood pressure.
You don't need to make huge changes to eat healthier. And you don't have to change your habits all at the same time. It's best to set small goals and change your habits a little bit at a time. Over time, small changes can make a big difference in your health.
Take a Brain Break
This tip is a fun, easy way to lower stress during big study sessions. Every 30 minutes, take a “brain break.”
Here’s one to try: Listen to two or three favorite songs (a perfect 10-minute break)—and get moving—while taking a break from the books. Choose a fun way to get your blood pumping to your favorite tune: jumping jacks, a short walk outside, even random, silly dancing!
By taking a few minutes away from studying, you will refresh his brain, sharpen his focus and restore his energy before it’s time to hit the books again.
Think about it
What does your stress management routine look like?
How can making stress management a priority in your life?
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