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mighty kids
Stress

Relievers

FOR KIDS

By Dina Zelden

them feel more in control.
Time spent in nature can also
calm frayed nerves. Encour-
age your child to notice the
beauty of the world around
them. Get them to use their
senses by asking: What do
you see, hear, and smell? An-
other great mood changer is
music. Encourage your child
to put on their favorite tunes
and sing or dance along. They
will be smiling before they
hildhood was It’s no wonder many chil- there are many effective know it!
once a time of dren are feeling anxious and strategies and techniques that Be sure your child has a
unstructured stressed. Believe it or not, may help. close friend or relative with
Cafternoons, hours of the diseases that afflict Help your child gain whom they can share what is
of imaginative play, and even children, mental health disor- control over the physical re- troubling them. Talking about
the occasional boredom. ders are the most common, actions to stress in their body. it can help them gain per-
Today’s children have nearly according to the Child Mind One simple way to calm spective and feel encouraged.
the complete opposite as Institute. While it’s important their body is with breathing They may offer a new solution
their time is scheduled to to know the specific triggers techniques Teach them to and help your child see the
the minute with an overload and reactions to stress to focus on belly breathing by problem in a new light. Playing
of school work and activities. which your child is prone, placing their hand on their with a family pet is another
belly to feel it rise and fall with positive way to deal with
each inhale and exhale. Help stress. Snuggling with a furry
them calm their thoughts and friend provides distraction
emotions with mindfulness and unconditional love. Lastly,
exercises. Guided medita- when it comes to connecting
tion is another way to help a to others, never underesti-
stressed child feel less anxious. mate the power of a nice, long
It is also helpful to focus their hug which assures children
thoughts on an enjoyable that you are by their side and
task which requires lots of there to help.
concentration. Puzzles, crafts, While chronic stress re-
or another activity can help a quires discussion with a health
child gain control over their professional, many children can
thoughts while letting go of learn to successfully incorpo-
Be sure your child has a close friend stress. rate their favorite stress-bust-
Consider the positive ef-
ers into daily life. And who
or relative with whom they can share
fects of fresh air and a change knows, while sharing these
what is troubling them
of scenery. Get them outside
and moving. Quick bursts
may find yourself feeling better
of aerobic activities can help ideas with your child, YOU
as well!
28 INSPIRE HEALTH January § February