|
The Howard Center for Human Services First Call for Children and Families |
To contact
First Call |
|---|
|
The Howard Center for Human Services First Call for Children and Families |
To contact
First Call |
|---|
THE NINETEENTH PRINCIPLE APPLIED STRESS REDUCTION FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD A key problem for children, youth and adults in contemporary American society is excessive stress. Excessive stress impacts us negatively in biological, psychological and social ways. Chronic stress is a major cause of various serious disorders; if not causal, it exacerbates already existing medical problems (heart disease, arthritis, asthma, cancer, etc.). It is a contributing factor to family and individual emotional instability. Chronic stress has been highly associated with depression, anxiety, hostility, substance abuse, and other psychological and medical problems. It is also a social problem; both acute and chronic stress have been associated with higher levels of child abuse, domestic violence and general social aggression. Stress reduction training and stress management skills impact positively as prevention and intervention.
HELPFUL HINTS FOR STRESS REDUCTION 1. Build into your daily schedule -- no matter how busy that schedule is -- a specific, short period of time to simply sit quietly. Do this alone or with your child. It is good practice. 2. When situational events upset you, stop and think about any other way you could interpret what you are perceiving. We often interpret stressful events negatively, thereby making it all the more probable that we will experience stress. If you identify a more neutral way to interpret (what you say to yourself), use it. 3. Add brief, pleasurable events to your day, everyday. Even when things are going badly, it is of utmost importance to experience some brief moments of pleasure in your mind or in daily living. Some typical activities are: a positive memory from the past; noticing something of beauty; paying more attention to positives; and, controlling your thinking so that it is more positive ("this too shall pass!" or "I can handle this!". etc.) 4. Practice slow abdominal breathing (calm, deep stomach breathing) whenever you can. Do not force your breath; simply breathe slowly, deeply and fully. Such practice will calm down your body and your mind. This practice may be especially helpful when you are upset; it may slow down your thoughts, emotions and physiology. 5) If you are really interested or motivated to learn stress reduction, participate in a meditation or yoga class.
HELPFUL SOURCES OF INFORMATION Kabat-Zinn, J. (1991). Full Catastrophe Living. New York; Delta; Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever You Go There You Are. New York: Hyperion; and, Seaward, B. L. (1997). Stand Like Mountain Flow Like Water. Dearfield Beach, FL; Health Communications. |
