Typical symptoms of stress are:

• Irritability
• Short Temper
• Anxiety
• Head and neck aches

Although modern society is fostering poor health in many ways, simple methods can be used to counteract negative effects and significantly improve health and vitality. One’s response to stressful situations can be greatly improved by simple, natural changes to nutritional intake and lifestyle, without resorting to drugs or unnatural diets.

Stress in Children and Teens

Children and teens notice and react to stress in their family and also experience their own stress. It is important to recognize stress in children and teens and help them with healthy coping strategies. The strategies they learn often stay with them into adulthood.

Generally, anything that may cause children fear and anxiety can cause stress. This can include being away from home, starting a new school or moving to a new location, separation from parents or caregivers, worrying about school and getting along with others, worrying about their changing bodies, and worrying about the future.

The following are some common signs of stress in different age groups.
 

Helping with stress

The following can help develop a low-stress environment:

• Acknowledge your child's feelings.
• Develop trust and let your child know that mistakes are learning experiences.
• Be supportive and praise your child.
• Show care, warmth, and love. Hug your child often.
• Have clear expectations without being overly rigid; emphasize cooperation over competition. Do not "over schedule" your child into activities.
• Find ways to have your children contribute to the family.
• Build on the strengths of the family.
• Be aware of what your child wants (not just what you want).

It is important to help children develop positive coping skills, as these skills are often carried into adult life. You can help by:

• Providing a good example. Keep calm and control your anger. Think through plans to decrease stress and share them with the family.
• Encouraging rational thinking. Be sure your children think about consequences of their actions. Help them understand what is fantasy and what is reality. For example, a child's behavior did not cause a divorce, or they are not failures because they were not picked first for something.
• Providing them with some control. Allow your children to make choices within your family framework. For example, allow them to arrange their room, choose family activities, and help make family decisions.
• Talking openly. When appropriate, talk about your stressful day. Encourage them to talk about what is bothering them.
• Finding a physical activity and/or hobby that they enjoy and encouraging them to participate.
• Encouraging your child to eat healthy foods and emphasizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

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