Monthly Resources – April 2023
Published March 23, 2023

The American Psychological Association (APA) has devoted numerous articles to the topic of Stress. A few of those are:

(Chronic) Stress effects on the body

• Muscle tension that can lead to further physical ailments
• Possible respiratory distress
• Risk of cardiovascular disease
• Risk of compromised immune system
• Possible disruption of gastrointestinal system
• Possible disruption of reproductive system

What is the difference between stress and anxiety?

• Stress results from an external trigger (stressor).
• Anxiety involves excessive worry, independent of a stressor.

Healthy ways to handle life’s stressors

1. If responsibilities are too numerous
   – reduce them
   – relax standards
   – request help
2. Cultivate social support
   – offer support
   – ask for support
3. Employ healthy nutrition
4. Relax muscles
5. Meditate
6. Ensure enough sleep
7. Exercise
8. Enjoy nature
9. Continue pleasurable activities
10. Reframe thinking:
    – understand that thoughts influence emotions
    – emotions influence behaviors
    – keep expectations reasonable
    – accept what cannot be changed

How to help children and teens manage their stress

• Model and facilitate healthy coping
  • Sleeping enough (Children, 9 – 12 hours, depending upon age; and Teens, 8 – 10 hours)
  • Exercise (60 minutes per day, ages 6 to 17)
  • Talk through stressful situations and solutions
  • Schedule fun and quiet times
  • Spend time outdoors
  • Use writing to express gratitude as well as stressful situations and solutions
  • Practice mindfulness
• Encourage them to solve their own problems whenever possible
• Teach them to think critically about advertising and other media messages
• Challenge negative thinking
• Recognize signs of stress that is excessive or not managed well
  • Irritability
  • Behavior changes
  • Sleeping problems
  • Neglecting responsibilities
  • Eating changes
  • Frequent illness