by Pennie Sempell
I just returned from PTA National, where I had an opportunity to talk with a number of parent volunteers about kids’ stress. Everyone agreed “Kids today are really stressed out!” The reasons offered varied from “Too much pressure at school”, to “Too much pressure from home”, to “We’re so stressed out as parents, and our kids are learning to be just like us.”
Stress is a response of the body that involves bio-chemical changes in hormones, such as increased production of cortisol and adrenaline. While these “stress hormones” help us run from danger, e.g. when pursued by a bear, they cause exhaustion and increased wear-and-tear on the body and mind if sustained.
Cortisol is not a “bad” hormone. In fact, cortisol is an adrenal hormone that should start higher in the morning and taper down during the day, being replaced by melatonin in the evening. Melatonin promotes sleep. Cortisol wakes you up. However, chronic elevation of cortisol is injurious to good health. It has been linked to elevated cholesterol, excess body fat, heart disease, exhaustion, and other problems.
Do you know that children and adults can learn how to reduce internal stress? Lifestyle plays a huge role, as well as a few simple practices that I will share with you in this article. As to lifestyle, do not underestimate the importance of adequate sleep, healthy nutrition and exercise in keeping stress in check. Job-stress and relationship-stress are two other major sources of stress. Honestly appraise what changes can be made, and take simple steps towards change.
Every day in my practice in preventative medicine, I teach adults and children how to relax at will. It is important that parents learn and model relaxation practices. Here is one simple breath exercise you can try at home.
Sit down or lie down. Inhale through your nose to the count of 4. Exhale through your mouth to the count of 6. Repeat a few times, like 5-7 breaths. Notice if you feel a little more relaxed.
Your cortisol levels can be assessed by a qualified health provider. If you or your child feel “stressed out”, find a professional in your area who can help guide you. I offer additional relaxation and mindful awareness exercises in the Healthier Happier Life Skills series.
Pennie Sempell is an integrative health therapist and wellness educator who works with children and adults of all ages and needs. Pennie has taught preschool in Washington, D.C. and California, and directed an aquatic fitness program for children. She has earned numerous professional certifications in mediation and peer counseling, research-based mind-body therapies, and traditional healing art therapies.
Visit her new site for FREE resources: www.healthierhappierlife.com
I just returned from PTA National, where I had an opportunity to talk with a number of parent volunteers about kids’ stress. Everyone agreed “Kids today are really stressed out!” The reasons offered varied from “Too much pressure at school”, to “Too much pressure from home”, to “We’re so stressed out as parents, and our kids are learning to be just like us.”
Stress is a response of the body that involves bio-chemical changes in hormones, such as increased production of cortisol and adrenaline. While these “stress hormones” help us run from danger, e.g. when pursued by a bear, they cause exhaustion and increased wear-and-tear on the body and mind if sustained.
Cortisol is not a “bad” hormone. In fact, cortisol is an adrenal hormone that should start higher in the morning and taper down during the day, being replaced by melatonin in the evening. Melatonin promotes sleep. Cortisol wakes you up. However, chronic elevation of cortisol is injurious to good health. It has been linked to elevated cholesterol, excess body fat, heart disease, exhaustion, and other problems.
Do you know that children and adults can learn how to reduce internal stress? Lifestyle plays a huge role, as well as a few simple practices that I will share with you in this article. As to lifestyle, do not underestimate the importance of adequate sleep, healthy nutrition and exercise in keeping stress in check. Job-stress and relationship-stress are two other major sources of stress. Honestly appraise what changes can be made, and take simple steps towards change.
Every day in my practice in preventative medicine, I teach adults and children how to relax at will. It is important that parents learn and model relaxation practices. Here is one simple breath exercise you can try at home.
Sit down or lie down. Inhale through your nose to the count of 4. Exhale through your mouth to the count of 6. Repeat a few times, like 5-7 breaths. Notice if you feel a little more relaxed.
Your cortisol levels can be assessed by a qualified health provider. If you or your child feel “stressed out”, find a professional in your area who can help guide you. I offer additional relaxation and mindful awareness exercises in the Healthier Happier Life Skills series.
Pennie Sempell is an integrative health therapist and wellness educator who works with children and adults of all ages and needs. Pennie has taught preschool in Washington, D.C. and California, and directed an aquatic fitness program for children. She has earned numerous professional certifications in mediation and peer counseling, research-based mind-body therapies, and traditional healing art therapies.
Visit her new site for FREE resources: www.healthierhappierlife.com
