Life moves fast—so fast that we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves. That’s true not just for adults, but for kids too. Here are some simple tips that can help your child relieve stress and perform better in school.
Why not get some fresh air after dinner by going for a walk with your family? Ten minutes is all it takes to experience the benefits of this calming activity, which also provides a great opportunity to chat.
Not only does playing sports on a regular basis boost self-esteem, but it’s also extremely effective in reducing stress. In addition to being good fun, engaging in sports triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural anti-stress chemical.
At first glance, this may seem like a curious piece of advice, given that breathing is an innate reflex. But kids don’t often think to focus on taking deep breaths. You can teach your child to take a moment each day to practise deep breathing.
Kids face many sources of stress: the first day of school, oral presentations, end-of-term exams, etc. To help your child keep calm, try encouraging them to visualize the steps and solutions to each of their tasks.
In addition to helping kids relax, doing yoga improves concentration. All the more reason to get started right away! There are many excellent resources that provide an introduction to yoga. See what you can find at your local library, or look up videos online.
Meditation is just as good for the body as it is for the mind. It helps kids (and adults) refocus while relieving stress and anxiety. Do some research online to find a technique that suits your child’s needs.
There are all kinds of colouring books available for both kids and adults. Regardless of your age or artistic ability, colouring is a remarkably calming activity that’s worth a try.
Getting the giggles has numerous benefits. A good laugh has been proven to reduce high blood pressure, relieve minor pains, and serve as a powerful relaxant. In a sense, you might say that a day without laughter is a day wasted. Whether it’s by telling jokes, sharing stories, or watching funny movies, make the most of every opportunity to make your child laugh.
Taking the time to eat well, putting down your fork between each bite, and making conversation with your family at the table are just a few easy ways to make mealtime count. Slowing things down can turn this simple, necessary activity into a comforting and relaxing ritual, not to mention improve digestion.
Your child needs a good night’s sleep to stay sharp and do well at school. But quantity and quality of sleep also affect their emotions and have a major impact on stress and anxiety levels.
It’s good to have an active social life and lots of extracurricular activities. But these can become important sources of stress if your child starts to stretch themselves too thin. To help them find the right balance, you can show them how to set limits and teach them it’s okay to turn down invitations.
There aren’t many activities more relaxing than reading. Just a few minutes with a good book can help kids relax and feel significantly less stressed. For tips on getting your child into reading, check out our article on the subject or our book recommendation lists (elementary and high school).
Some kids become stressed if they don’t know how each part of their day will go. If this is true for your child, you can help ease their anxiety by setting up a routine that fits your family’s needs and schedule.
The fear of forgetting is a uniquely powerful stressor for kids. Forgetting their homework can be just as stressful as failing a big exam. Fortunately, you can help your child become less forgetful by showing them how to use their agenda.
Listening to music, regardless of the genre, is a great way for kids to relieve stress. To protect your child’s hearing, it’s best to keep track of their listening habits (music volume, type of headphones, etc.).
Friends aren’t just there to play with; they’re also there to listen. Building a strong circle of friends and confiding in other kids who know what they’re going through could help significantly lower your child’s stress levels.
Conflicts both big and small can cause kids to feel stressed. Teaching your child to avoid conflicts through self-regulation or to handle them before they can fester is the best way to help them cope with tensions.
Writing is a liberating activity. Putting words to paper, whether by keeping a diary or inventing stories , helps children clear their minds and relieve stress.
Singing has been shown to make people feel happy. In addition to being an enjoyable activity that brings out positive emotions, singing improves mental well-being:
By showing your child how to prioritize their tasks, you can help them get things done on time and avoid unnecessary stress. It’s an important skill they’ll be able to use for the rest of their life.
You don’t have to trek deep into the mountains to enjoy the calm and beauty of nature. Simply going for a stroll through a municipal park will do. Try taking your child to the park as often as possible. When it’s nice out, you can even settle under a tree and read together.
Writing : The Alloprof Parents’ team