Back-to-School Anxiety is Real
By Virginia Laird
When it comes to issues of mental health, children are not immune to it. Quite the contrary. In fact, children can experience anxiety worse than many adults. However, children may have a more difficult time identifying the cause. If your child suffers with such issues, it may be necessary to help your child cope. There are a few things you can do to help manage such stress. A few tips suggested include:
- Plenty of sleep can help
- Encourage exercise daily
- Learn to listen to your child
Plenty of Sleep Can Help
There are many issues that sleep can help resolve, including anxiety. Experts across the nation agree that sleep is imperative to mental health of both children and adults. For those who struggle with back-to-school anxiety, it is essential that a bedtime is implemented which allows for plenty of sleep. Some parents struggle with exactly how much sleep to encourage their children to get. For many, somewhere between 10 and 12 hours is best. Finding the best bedtime for your children can only be done by trying one and adjusting it as necessary. Start right away providing a bedtime for your children to help alleviate anxiety for your student.
Encourage Exercise Daily
Many health and wellness experts encourage exercise as a part of a mental wellness program. There is research to suggest that while you are exercising, the body releases hormones which can help the body release anxiety. Daily exercise can be as simple as walking or playing at the park. Some may desire to find more exercise, which can include playing sports or taking in an exercise class. As you help your children find time to be active, make sure you are encouraging exercise that is age appropriate. Start today helping your young ones to learn to love exercise.
Learn to Listen to Your Child
When it comes to easing your child's anxiety, learning to listen can be helpful. Experts admit that open-ended questions are best when trying to open lines of communication. Avoid passing judgement or belittling your student about what might be causing such anxiety. It can be easy to get lost in your devices as you listen to what your child has to say. However, putting down your devices and truly listening, with undivided attention, is best when trying to help resolve anxiety.
Start right away addressing the worries and concerns your child has about going back to school to help prevent and manage anxiety.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Augusta, Ga.