THE AGE OF STRESS It’s hard to imagine kids as anything but carefree, happy, and eager to explore the world around them. However, children experience stress just like adults do, which can severely impact their typically cheerful dispositions. Since April is National Stress Awareness Month, now is an opportune time to familiarize yourself with tools and information that can help you alleviate your child’s stress.
HELPING YOUR CHILD OVERCOME ANXIETY
from the people around them. According to KidsHealth.org, younger children may also pick up habits like twirling their hair or sucking their thumb, while older kids may start to bully others, lie, or rebel. According to KidsHealth.org, good nutrition, proper rest, and healthy attention are great ways to help kids manage their stress. Set time aside each day to talk and spend time with your children; talking about worries will reduce or relieve anxieties. If you know about an upcoming stressful situation, like a school exam or a health checkup, prepare your child by studying with them or talking to them about what to expect.
WHAT ARE THEIR STRESSORS?
Any number of everyday factors can lead to stress, and stress can plague anyone who feels overwhelmed. Toddlers and young children going to day care or school for the first time may experience separation anxiety due to being apart from their parents. Older kids and teenagers may feel mounting social and academic pressure. Even something as simple as overhearing loved ones arguing or seeing a sad news report can add to a child’s stress levels.
Don’t stop here. For more tools and information regarding stress reduction in children, visit KidsHealth.org or contact your doctor.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD IS STRESSED?
When a kid is stressed, they will exhibit odd behavior and even undergo physical changes. Depending on your child’s age, watch for mood swings, changes in sleep patterns, headaches, trouble focusing, or withdrawal
3 TIPS FOR COMPLETING YOUR AT-HOME EXERCISES STAYING DILIGENT WHEN NO ONE IS LOOKING
CHECK THE CALENDAR
It’s easy to exercise when you have your physical therapist guiding you throughout the entire process. But when it comes to the home exercises they prescribe you, it’s probably a lot harder to hold yourself to the routine. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. One study found that adherence to at-home exercise routines among physical therapy patients could be as low as 35%. Those exercises are important to the healing process, so how can we be better at holding ourselves accountable to the routine? Here are a few suggestions.
While many people may insist they don’t have time to do their at-home exercises, what they usually mean is they don’t make time for it in their routines. It’s hard to throw another check box on our daily to-do list, but if you take some time to examine your calendar, you’ll probably find that you have plenty of opportunities to squeeze a few exercises in.
FIND A PT YOU LIKE
This might seem inconsequential, but finding a physical therapist you connect with can motivate you to complete your exercises at home in order to please them. At the same time, it’s also easier to be honest about your progress (or lack thereof) completing your at-home exercises with your physical therapist if they’re someone you like. If you come to Campus Commons Physical Therapy, we know you’ll find a physical therapist to connect with and motivate you toward your goals. If you have any questions about what we offer, give us a call at 916-927-1333, or visit our website at CampusCommonsPhysicalTherapy.com.
HAVE A GOAL-CENTERED MIND
It’s difficult, if not impossible, to maintain an exercise routine just for the sake of having the routine. When it comes time in your day to do your exercises, wherever you are, keep your goals in mind. What do you want to happen as a result of going through physical therapy? Whether it’s playing with the grandkids more or running a marathon this fall, use that goal to motivate you toward your at-home exercises.
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