Here are three easy stress-management techniques to try with your child.
It can be difficult to handle all of the pressures of the world these days, especially for children with disabilities. Whether it is the stress of going to school or dealing with something they don’t like, such as a doctor’s visit, it can feel like life is going into turmoil. However, there are some simple methods to help your child cope with stressors in their life. Here are three easy stress-management techniques to try with your child.
Deep Breathing
The easiest and most straightforward way to manage stress is through deep breathing. You can try it right now. Slowly inhale all the way, hold for a short moment, and slowly exhale. Teach your child to engage their diaphragm by having them put a hand on their stomach and inhale until they feel their hand rise. Deep breathing is easy, and it’s a good thing to work on so that you get better at breathing deeper naturally.
Exercise
Studies have shown, again and again, the positive effects of exercise on mood. Exercise can release dopamine in the brain, which makes people feel better, it is an outlet for anxious energy, and it can help your child take their mind off of what is worrying them. Any type of exercise is effective; it can be a simple as taking a walk or as advanced as playing sports. Even simply stretching can relieve tension in the body and help your child feel less stressed.
Music
Nothing has quite an influence on mood like music. The right music can create a calming atmosphere. And even just letting your child pick out their favorite music to listen to is a great form of self-expression. You can play music at home or in the car, and it will literally set the right tone for your child to have a happy day.
The Connections Therapy Center
The Connections Therapy Center serves families of children and adolescents with disabilities and special needs. We are a team of experts in the fields of pediatric speech, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and behavioral sciences. As a team, we offer intensive hands-on therapy for children and adolescents, as well as informative and useful resources for families. If you are interested in learning more about what we can do to help your family, visit us online or give us a call at (301) 577-4333. Want to get more information on how to help your child thrive? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.