Managing Stress and Resilience

The American Psychological Association has developed a number of tips for
Managing Stress for a Healthy Family. This tip sheet was developed in response to the results of the Stress in America Survey that the APA recently conducted.
Results from the survey found that 73% of parents report family responsibilities as a significant source of stress. The connection between high stress levels and health is alarming, with 34% of obese parents experiencing high levels of stress as compared to 23% of normal weight parents. The Association believes that it is important to consider the way a parent’s stress and corresponding unhealthy behaviors affect the family. Children clearly model their parents’ behavior, including those related to managing stress. So here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. As a parent, evaluate your lifestyle. Your children are more likely to lead a healthy lifestyle if you model this for them through your behavior.
2. Talk to your children if they appear to be worried or stressed. Try to have regular conversations with them. Talking with children and promoting open communication can be just as important as diet and exercise and sleep.
3. Try to create a healthy environment at home. Try to create in your home a clear, clean and uncluttered space so both you and your children can relax.
4. Focus on yourself and take care of yourself. If you are overwhelmed, try not to overeat or choose fast food and chocolate as the best alternative for managing your stress.
5. Be patient and take your time. Change both for adults and children is difficult. Try to change one habit at a time. Be realistic and try not to create changes you will not be able to maintain or you do not have the time or the energy or the motivation to continue.

For more information and a copy of the tip sheet, go to www.apahelpcenter.org.



Ron Breazeale, Ph.D.
Author, Duct Tape Isn’t Enough
www.reachinghome.com