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Schooling and stress

Stress is the inevitable part of life because none of us are free from it irrespective of the state and situation we live. School is one of the wonderful place and schooling being the most essential priority for every individual, unfortunately it invites problems apart from growth and maturation. Stress is an alarming issue across the world and is more intensive in some vulnerable groups like such as scholars, pregnant women, elderly people, professionals, people suffering from chronic illnesses are among many others. The burden of stress is so high that it almost cease the capacities and skills that are inherent in a child. Due to which parents have to face enormous pressure and time managing their children suffering from the issue. Stress can be acute, chronic or incidental. An acute stress arises as a part of burden imposed by the day to day activities such as excess of home works, familiar expectations etc. Acute stress takes intense and instant course in a child. Chronic stress on the other hand is less intensive but prolonged over a period of time. This can be a consequence of innate or habitual issues such as poor concentration, difficulty in writing and speaking, slow learning, poor memory etc. Incidental stress or incident-specific stress is a response to a sudden trigger such as an accident of a parent. Let us understand some tips to manage stress in scholars.

1. Be clear about the problem
Acceptance and understanding of the underlying issue in a child makes sense as this can really create a sigh of relief in the young mind. It is really important to acknowledge the fact that every individual differs and he or she must be treated as a unique individual who has both strengths and weaknesses. The moment if a parent tries to force things by means of unusual expectations, the stress level can escalate further. Parents need to explain things in a way the child doesn’t feel guilty or insecure about the problem. Most importantly, a reality testing is necessary to understand what the real cause is making the child a scapegoat. Some of the things that parent needs to explore are nature of schooling, teacher’s behavior with the kid, amount of work and assignments, peer related issues. Doing this can help a parent understand better about the reason behind the problem.

2. Encourage enough sleep and rest
Sleep and rest are the great stress busters when used properly. Majority of the children lack enough sleep or the poor quality of it. It is important for a parent to give enough time for rest and sleep by managing the burden and stress. It can be done in many ways but most important are sleep hygiene, scheduling of sleep, disciplined routine, providing enough room and privacy, peaceful and calm environment surrounding the sleep area. Children must be assisted if in case they are being given more assignments.

3. Talk to them
Talk therapy is the best medicine as it can help in relieving the concealed memories and thoughts. Some of the ways a child can be made comfortable are spending at least 1 hour of time daily with the child, providing opportunities to express his or her concerns, and giving some leisure in the middle of home work sessions. Allow some time to express themselves rather than being too insistent this can improve rapport for a healthy relationship so that child can be free from inner conflicts.

4. Teach them how to relax
Being in a state of balance and calmness can bet the stress. Educate about how to mediate, guided imagery techniques, progressive muscle relaxations, pranayama can make effective. Deep breathing along with presence of mind makes things easy. It is also important to stress on enough exercise, games and sports that provides a valuable diversion.

5. Impact of recreation and music
Music is the most suitable stress reliever that has proved its worth from centuries. Many studies demonstrated that music and recreation can soothe body and mind. Children develop good memory, cognitive benefits such as good thinking and reasoning. Listening to favorite music can sometimes make wonders.

6. Diet and stress management
Proper diet can counterbalance the impact of stress by strengthening the immune system, stabilizing moods, and reducing blood pressure. Vitamin C: Consuming foods high in vitamin C, such as oranges and other citrus fruits, can reduce stress and boost the immune system. Many foods helps to improve the brain power by providing sufficient nutrients necessary for the neurons to function properly.

7. Improve confidence
Confidence is the key to success, because one keeps pace of learning only when he or she is confident. Some of the ways to boost confidence are being healthy, eating nutritious diet, taking bath regularly, personal hygiene, dressing up well, brushing teeth twice, helping others etc.

8. Keep him organized
Being organized takes some effort, if possible teach him about how to be organized or arrange a home tutor who can take some responsibility in guiding and counselling the child along with some homework help.

All in all, staying healthy and being at present can make things easier. Parents should have a timely communication apart from being open and honest about the situation. Eating healthy, balanced food with all the necessary nutrients, enough sleep and rest can do well.