One of the hardest things for any Draper parent is to watch their kids struggle with life’s difficulties. It’s not always fun and games being a kid, and it is normal even for healthy children to struggle with stress and anxiety–whether from illness, pain, social situations, or academic pressures.
Here are some techniques that Salt Lake City parents can teach their kids to help relieve anxiety and stress. Of course, if parents in the 84043 zip code area feel their child is abnormally stressed or anxious, they can talk about this with their child’s West Jordan, Draper, or Sandy pediatrician.
One technique for stress relief is meditative breathing. Sit comfortably and then concentrate on breathing slowly and deeply, making sure the abdomen is moving, and not only the chest. Count slowly to 3 or 4 as you inhale, and then the same for the exhale. Try to focus all thoughts on breathing–the feel and the sound of it. When other thoughts enter your mind, try to let them float out again like a balloon. This technique helps to relax, and relieves stress and anxiety from the body and mind.
Another useful technique is mindfulness.
With the practice of mindfulness, Salt Lake City parents and children will be able to elicit a relaxed and open response even in the most stressful situations. Mindfulness involves becoming completely aware of every aspect of any experience. Practice in non-stressful situations first–you can even do it while eating dinner. Notice every detail of your food–the feel, the color, the sound, the taste.
Such healthy mindfulness practice can translate this way in a stressful situation: say your child is at his Salt Lake City school and is experiencing anxiety during a test. Practicing mindfulness, your child will notice the anxious feelings (cold and sweaty palms, shallow breathing, etc.), the feel of the paper in his hands, the students around him, etc. As your child notices and acknowledges these things, rather than fearing and avoiding them, they won’t be as frightening. Your child will learn that these things are part of life in Salt Lake City and that they are okay.
Life is a challenge for Salt Lake City parents and kids alike. Draper parents can give valuable tools to their children to help them stay happy, safe, and healthy on this journey of life!
My name is Melanie Green and kids health in Sandy is a passion of mine. I am concerned with issues such as vaccinations and childhood obesity in West Jordan.
If you would like to know more about my Draper home business that sells community, give me a call at (801) 272-5355 today!
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