You can respond positively to the different stress levels
There is no doubt that some level of stress is healthy for the body. The body’s response is mild elevations in stress hormone levels and a brief increase in heart rate.
This is usually referred to as a positive response.
Another is also known as tolerable response. This is described as a serious, temporary stress response, buffered by supportive relationships.
The third is when stress is prolonged, known as toxic stress.
Toxic stress is your body’s natural reaction to what it perceives as danger and it’s a way of dealing with difficult situations.
Our heart beats faster, blood pressure increases and adrenaline and cortisol (the stress hormone) surge through our system to make us stronger, more alert and a more powerful version of our normal selves.
Physiological changes are warning signals that help us to combat whatever might break our strides.
This should only happen for a brief period of time, which helps us to perform at peak when cortisol is turned on and off quickly.
Cortisol energizes and enhances certain types of memory and sets the immune system to go, according to the Center on the Developing Child (CDC), Harvard University.
Further studies have revealed that most toxic stress conditions are usually developed during childhood, when a child is exposed to continuous stress without the absence of a buffering relationship. This leads to a damaged stress response system right into adulthood, and eventually leads to health conditions such as, headache, chest pains, anger, depression, and sadness. Heart conditions, irritability, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, to name a few are also affected.
Ongoing studies by CDC suggests ways in which parents can manage their stress levels and that of their children.
Science tells us that some children develop resilience (the ability to recover quickly from difficulties) or the ability to recover from serious hardship, while others don’t.
The capabilities that stem from resilience can be strengthened at any age. The brain and other biological systems are most adaptable during the early development stages. Yet while their development lays the foundation for a wide range of resilient behaviors, it is never too late to build resilience. Age- appropriate health promoting activities can significantly improve the odds that an individual will recover from stress inducing experiences.
Avoid exposing children to physical and verbal abuse. Hug them, spend more time with them (especially during this time of the pandemic while you are home with them). Play games, interact by even making videos, and develop ways to make learning more fun.
Engage young children to help with small chores. They enjoy that while it will also help to develop their responsibility skills. Young children will also enjoy being in the kitchen learning and helping with meal preparations, especially baking.
Find ways to connect and share-with and beyond your family. Read to them, listen and talk to them. Allow them to trust you. Trust is very very important.
As adults, take charge of your life. You are in control no matter the circumstances. The decisions you make in any situation will determine the outcome of your life. Here are a few examples of things you can do to minimize your stress levels and live a healthier life.
-Develop Healthy Relationships.
-Get Adequate Amounts of Sleep.
-Make sure you Eat Properly. (Balanced nutrition).
-Exercise.
-Take Care of Your Body. (Be aware of your personal hygiene and appearance).
-Mindfulness and Meditation. (Find a quiet place to relax, think and process your thoughts. try to always think positively).
-Social Interactions. (Get involved, sports, helping with projects, doing something that you normally wouldn’t do).
-Behavior and Mental Health Care. (If the need arises talk to someone. Don’t keep it bottled up inside. Seek professional help if you have to).
-Plan Ahead. (plan your activities ahead of time).
-Avoid Confrontations. (Take a deep breath. Think about it rationally. Look at the situation objectively).
-Stretch. Adults who strengthen these skills within themselves, can better model healthy behaviors for their children. Thereby improving the resilience of the next generation. According to the CDC.
Racism and poverty are also contributors to toxic stress.
Develop positive identities. Share your identity with your children, (positive cultural identities and advocacies).
Works Cited
Anderson, Jill. Family Coping During the Coronavirus. Usable Knowledge Harvard Graduate School of Education. (April 16, 2020). https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/uk/20/04/family-coping-during-coronavirus Retrieved 6/2021.
Resilience. Center on the Developing Child. Harvard University. https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/resilience/ Retrieved 6/2021
Science to Policy and Practice: 3 Principles to Improve Outcomes for Children and Families. Center on Developing Child. Harvard University. Retrieved 6/2021. https://46y5eh11fhgw3ve3ytpwxt9r-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/HCDC_3PrinciplesPolicyPractice.pdf
Stress and Resilience: How Toxic Stress Affects Us, and What We Can do About It. Center on the Developing Child. Harvard University. Retrieved 6/2021. https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/stress-and-resilience-how-toxic-stress-affects-us-and-what-we-can-do-about-it/
