April is stress awareness month. Our mental well-being is just as important as our physical well-being, and since all the changes in life that have happened since COVID-19, it is totally normal if your mental health has been affected.
According to the CACTC Youth Development Survey of 7-12 grade students, 61% of answers selected indicated that schoolwork such as homework and tests are a source of stress. 24% of answers selected indicated that decisions about college or careers are a source of stress, and 29% of answers selected indicated that friends or peers at school are a source of stress. Also, 36% of answers selected indicated that the ability to succeed or live up to expectations is a major source of stress. Other stressors for Cortland County teens included extracurricular activities, financial concerns, and family issues/home life.
Although stress can be very common, it is important to be able to recognize its signs in both yourself and others. Support from parents can make all the difference when helping your child deal with their stress, anxiety, and overall mental health. So what can we do to help both ourselves and our children when dealing with mental health difficulties?
- Go for a walk! Now that the weather is starting to get much nicer outside, taking a walk in the fresh air can help release those endorphins and improve your overall mood. If your child has been showing signs of heightened stress and anxiety such as irritability, lack of focus, and vocalizing constant worry, try taking a walk and/or spending some quality time outside with them. This can be beneficial for both of you!
- Put on a funny show or movie! This can be especially helpful when the weather isn’t nice. Turn on something that both you and your family enjoys and spend some quality time together. This can go a long way in helping you and your child shut out external stress and taking some time to enjoy the moment.
- Meditate. Before you think “meditation is boring,” give it a try! Meditation can help improve focus levels, decrease anxiety, and decrease stress. Plus, there are tons of meditation apps out there that can help you take a moment to be present and disconnect from all of the external stressors you may be experiencing. One of my favorite apps for meditation is Headspace™.
- Talk to your child. If you have been noticing that their behavior has been off recently such as moodiness, withdrawing from activities that they usually find fun, expressing fear, or not eating and sleeping when they normally do, they may be suffering from stress. Asking your child how they feel and what you can do to help can go a long way in helping them manage their stress levels.
Disclaimer: If you or your child is experiencing heightened stress, always consider speaking with a professional. Although some of the activities listed can be helpful for alleviating stress, they may not be as helpful when done in isolation.
