How stress affects children and how to help them get rid of it

Feeling stressed has become the norm for many families. Think about it—when was the last time your family—or any family for that matter—enjoyed a long period of time without using a smartphone or other electronic device or looking at your smartwatch?

While one type of stress, called “stressor,” can be positive and productive—eustress is the type of stress that is healthy or helps you feel good (for example, the kind you experience when you exercise for fun or challenge yourself in some way)—many of us often experience negative stress. All this stress leads us to behave in unhealthy ways that impact our overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, stress isn’t just a problem for adults. There’s evidence that teens are also vulnerable to stress and its effects.

The American Psychological Association (APA) conducted its latest survey of adults, as well as 1 teens aged 018 to 13, living in the United States, about their stress levels over the past month. While American adults continue to report higher levels of stress than they believe they are healthy,

The survey also reveals that the unhealthy stress behavior patterns we see in adults also affect teens. According to the survey, many American teens say they experience stress at unhealthy levels, seem unsure of their stress management techniques, and experience symptoms of stress In figures that reflect adult experiences, stress during the teenage years also appears to negatively impact behavior, nutrition, and lifestyle behaviors that undoubtedly contribute to current and future habits and health.

Stress affects teens in countless ways. The survey shows, for example, that 36% of teens report feeling tired or fatigued. 35% report staying awake at night. 32% report experiencing headaches. And 23% report skipping lunch.

The report also reveals that teens are less aware than adults of the impact stress can have on their physical and mental health. In fact, 42% of teens say they often don't know what to do to manage their stress or are unsure if they're doing enough to manage it.

Fifty-one percent reported that while stress management is important to them, more than 1 in 10 report that they don't make time for it. Fifty-five percent of teens say they only make time for stress management a few times a month at most. Despite 55% exercising or walking and 37% playing sports to manage stress, many teens cope with stress by engaging in sedentary behaviors.

For example, many teens cite screens as a way to cope with stress. In fact, 46% reported playing video games, 43% surfing the internet or going online, and 36% watching TV or movies to cope with stress.

When it comes to teenage girls in particular, the report reveals that stress influences food-related behaviors. For example, 39% say they eat more or less than they should, 35% report binge eating or eating unhealthy foods, 31% report skipping meals, and 22% report a change in appetite when stressed.

It's clear from this APA survey that young people, older adults (and those among us) are vulnerable to the effects of stress. Whether it's related to school, work, relationships, finances, or any combination of factors, stress is an inevitable part of everyone's life.

If we often perceive everything happening around us in negative ways, causing us to cope in unhealthy ways, stress can take a significant toll on us (not to mention those around us). Studies show that stress can have negative effects on our eating habits, our fitness, and our ability to fall asleep—and stay asleep.

As discussed in the “Stress in America” survey, studies also indicate that stress can weaken and exhaust the body’s immunity, increase inflammation in the body (thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease), and make us more susceptible to colds.

Because of the many dangers of stress, it's essential for parents to find ways to manage stress positively and productively. It's a tall order, I know. But because our children see what we do and how we handle different situations and stressors, the worse it gets, the worse it gets.

We have to represent the best ways we can. positive To recognize and cope with stress. If we prioritize finding positive and productive ways to deal with challenges, our children are more likely to follow our example and learn how to cope better, too.

While there is no one-size-fits-all strategy for managing stress, a range of behaviors can help us all cope better and promote overall health and well-being. Staying physically active, exercising, and sitting less can all relieve stress.

Finding can lead to activities The activities we enjoy—especially outdoors in the sun—can boost our mood and help our hearts be healthier. Eating a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods from all the major food groups— Whole grains Fruits, vegetables, lean protein, low-fat dairy products, and healthy fats—all day and at regular intervals—can help stabilize blood sugar levels, boost mood, and have other benefits.

Communication Laughter and meditation can also help with other people on a regular basis. Getting enough sleep by having regular, consistent bedtimes can also help us avoid the feeling of exhaustion that any self-doubt itself can contribute to unhealthy behaviors.