Tips for Managing Stress
Although the holiday season can be a very fun and exciting time, it can also bring on a lot of stress for children and adults alike. I posted about this on my Instagram page earlier this month (@drkatherinestoll). Here are some tips for managing stress that can help you and your child, not only during the holiday season but throughout the new year.
Get enough rest. The recommended amount of sleep varies depending on a child’s age. It is generally recommended that school-aged children get around 9 to 11 hours of sleep and adolescents get around 8-10 hours of sleep per night.
Get moving! One way to reduce stress or anxiety is through exercise. Regular exercise can improve your mood and also increase endorphins. Some ways to get moving include taking a walk, stretching, or going to the gym.
Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness can have many great benefits to our health including lowering our stress levels. You can practice mindfulness by incorporating breathing techniques, yoga, or tai chi into your daily routine.
Go out in nature. Spending time out in nature is a great way to manage stress. You may have heard people use the phrase, “Go touch grass” which means to log off social media or the internet and get outside to enjoy nature. One grounding activity you can use is the 5-4-3-2-1 technique. Name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.
Prioritize connection. Sometimes we may have the urge to isolate when we are feeling stressed or anxious; however, one way to help reduce this stress is by connecting with others. Calling a friend or making a plan to meet up with someone to do something fun is a great way to help reduce our stress levels.
Eat a healthy diet. This can be really hard to do throughout the holiday season, so give yourself some grace. We tend to turn to food as comfort, but not all foods help us in reducing our cortisol levels. When you can, prioritize eating foods that help reduce stress like avocados, beans and lentils, fish, leafy green vegetables, and fruits.
It is normal to feel some amount of stress from time to time. However, if the feelings of stress or anxiety become overwhelming, is harder to control, or is occurring for an extended amount of time, it is important to seek help.
*Please note, this post is for educational and informational purposes only.