Raising a family can be rewarding and demanding even in healthy social and economic climates, so stressful times can make things much more challenging. Parents know that changing a child’s behavior, let alone their own, can be challenging. By taking small, manageable steps to a healthier lifestyle, families can work toward meeting their goals to be psychologically and physically fit. Developing coping strategies to help you and your family when dealing with everyday stress and crisis situations is essential to navigating situations that arise without and damage to the family unit.
As we all know stress can come from small events like heavy traffic, kids struggling in school, or a long line at the store, or it can be a result of a crisis event, like the loss of a job, a death in the family, a pandemic such as that caused by COVID-19, or a natural disaster like an earthquake, flooding or tornado.
The most important thing to do is to recognize, accept and manage your stress to avoid negative physical and emotional consequences or negative reactions towards those closest to you.
Chronic stress has been shown to suppress your immune system, increase blood pressure and blood sugar levels and exacerbate underlying conditions like anxiety and depression.
Figuring out what stress management tools work best for you can be a process. While there is no perfect way to manage stress, here are some tips that may work for you and your family:
- Practice deep breathing or mindfulness. When you start to become anxious and extremely stressed, try sitting and breathing for a minute or so. Download the Calm App for support.
- Know your own stress cues. be mindful of your personal stressors. Observe your kids and partner for signs of stress and ask them to do the same for you. Sometimes those around you notice our stress cues before we do.
- Take time to do something that is meaningful, relaxing and fun to you and your family. Read a book, sit on the porch and enjoy the scenery, go for a walk with a friend, or have a family movie or game night.
- Get enough sleep. Most health experts recognize that individuals who get at least 8 hours of sleep are less stressed, less sad and can manage anger.
- Accept your emotions and feelings. It is OK to feel sad, anxious, angry or stressed.
- Consider the emotional needs of your family members.
- Conserve your energy for things you can control.
- Laughter is the best medicine. Humor and laughter are great stress relievers and promote well-being.
- Focus on your health and the health of others in your family.
- Get professional help. If you are feeling overwhelmed, seek assistance from an outside source such as your primary care provider or a mental health professional.
Families are susceptible to mounting pressures from finances and work. By taking small, manageable steps to a healthier lifestyle, families can work toward meeting their goals to be psychologically and physically fit