This month, the Wellness Works Committee is focusing on identifying when our stress levels are rising and finding the tools and strategies we can use to support ourselves in these moments.
As we explore this month's theme, it is important to remember that some stress is okay! Some stress can motivate us to complete things and help us at times. Too much stress, on the other hand, can be problematic and have overall negative impacts on our thinking, our bodies and our performance.
We all face a range of challenges that are uniquely relative to each of our personal, social and culturally lived experiences. We all have ways of coping. Some work well and others maybe not so well.
Strategies to help cope with stress
Sometimes it is a good idea to practice these when things are not stressful, so they are familiar when you need them. These strategies won’t eliminate stress but can help you and your child to reach a calmer state of mind to address the situation. Always remember that not everything works for everyone and that it’s important to find what works for you or your child.
Talk about Stress: Have conversations. What is stress? What does it feel like? Where do you notice it in your body? For younger children you can draw a body outline on paper and have them colour where they notice stress.
Take 3: Just three deep breaths from your lower belly breathing in through your nose long and slow and releasing slowly through your mouth can calm your body and mind. Try doing this together before meals, before bed or before activities that you know may be a bit stressful.
5-4-3-2-1 Technique: Identify five things you can see, four you can hear, three you can feel and two you can smell and one you can taste.
Model: As adults we too can become overwhelmed and stressed. Think about labeling how you are feeling and talking about the strategy you are going to use.
Make a Plan: Talk to your child about what they find helpful when they are feeling stressed. Make a plan ahead of time. Providing a structure allows for some control and reduces the unknown.
Other ideas include: Stretching, muscle relaxation, getting outdoors, laughter (that’s right! Make silly faces together or laugh out loud) and listen to calming music.
Championing Health and Well-being
Did you know? The American Psychological Association states that "The longer the stress lasts, the worse it is for both your mind and body. You might feel fatigued, unable to concentrate, or irritable for no good reason, for example. But chronic stress causes wear and tear on your body, too... This can put you at increased risk for a variety of physical and mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, digestive issues, headaches, muscle tension and pain."
So, learning strategies to identify and cope with stress will impact your overall health and well-being.
-The Wellness Works Committee