Managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month to bring attention to the negative impact of stress.
When our children experience chronic stress, it can lead to physical and mental health complications. Some stress is normal for students, but children who experience stress every day–whether from schoolwork, a teacher, or peers–are at risk for negative outcomes. If your child seems overly stressed or anxious, help them build resilience with this simple acronym: Be GREAT.
G: Gratitude – practice a regular habit of gratitude. Try to list at least 3 things you are grateful for each day.
R: Relaxation – rest your body and mind through yoga, meditation, or simply sitting outside in nature.
E: Exercise – aim for 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise. It’s amazing what a difference this can make!
A: Acknowledge feelings – don’t try to ignore the way you feel. Accept and move past difficult feelings.
T: Track thoughts – consider keeping a daily journal to record how your thoughts change over time.
If these tips don’t work, and your child continues to deal with excessive stress, reach out for help! You can find a mental health professional, or work with E3 Discovery to discover new tools for reducing stress at school.
