Stress Free Kids

Stress can cause many unpleasant sensations in toddler body.
This can lead parents to think the kids have a serious medical condition.
Stress can lead to:


• Anxiety & Panic Disorder
• Depression
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Obesity
• Ulcers
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Substance Abuse
• Hyperthyroidism
• Anorexia or malnutrition
• Cancer
• Tooth and Gum Disease

Here is a list of symptoms that stress can cause:


Physical:


• Insomnia
• Back, shoulder or neck pain
• Tension or migraine headaches
• Upset or acid stomach, cramps, heartburn, gas, irritable bowel syndrome
• Constipation, diarrhea
• Weight gain or loss, eating disorders
• Hair loss
• Muscle tension
• Fatigue
• High blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat, palpitations
• Asthma or shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Sweaty palms or hands
• Cold hands or feet
• Skin problems (hives, eczema, psoriasis, tics, itching)
• Periodontal disease, jaw pain
• Reproductive problems
• Immune system suppression: more colds, flu, infections
• Growth inhibition



Emotional:

• Nervousness, anxiety
• Depression, moodiness
• “Butterflies”
• Irritability, frustration
• Memory problems
• Lack of concentration
• Trouble thinking clearly
• Feeling out of control
• Substance abuse
• Phobias
• Overreactions
• Tearfulness
• No sense of humour
• Feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope


Stress can also cause:


• Increased arguments
• Isolation from social activities
• Conflict with parents
• violence


This is why it is so important to learn to provide stressfree environment for children.
Some natural relaxation techniques you can use to raise stress free kids:

Massage

The Benefits of Massage:-


• It releases endorphins which is a natural pain killer giving a feeling of well-being
• Helps blood pressure
• Helps your heart rate
• Slows your metabolism
• Improves breathing
• Improves blood circulation
• Improves tension and stiffness
• Improves mobility and flexibility
• Reduces spasms and cramps
• Reduces anxiety
• And of course it reduces STRESS!!


Here is a massage you can perform with kids:


Either standing or sitting, shrug the shoulders and push them back as far as possibly.

Now hold it for 5 seconds.

Repeat this action 5 times.

Now place your hand on the top of kid's shoulder and rub firmly working towards the neck.

Do this 3 times.

Now place your fingers at the back of his neck and rub in a circular motion working towards the back of the head.

Repeat this 5 times.


Hand Massage


This little technique is an ancient Chinese type of massage and healing.

Using your hand, place your thumb and index in between the web of kid's hand where the bone meets and massage.

Do this for 1 minute.

Then repeat switching hands.

Feet Massage


Place one hand on top of the foot and the other under the sole, then stroke smoothly from the toes to the ankles. Glide the hands back to the toes.

Repeat.



Aromatherapy – Essential Oils

Benefits of Aromatherapy:-


• Improves circulation
• This one I found very interesting to learn, it can also aid in dementia
• Reduces anxiety
• Aids in boosting your immune
• Relieves pain and tension
• Can ease headaches
• Can help you get a good nights sleep


How to use Aromatherapy oils:-


• In the bath – just add a few drops
• Inhale – You can add one drop to your hand and inhale
• Massage – make sure its diluted
• Vaporization – using a burner, this will bring the smell into your entire room


Here is a list of some relaxing essential oils:-


• Bergamot – soothing, uplifting and good for tension and depression
• Chamomile – calming, suitable for insomnia
• Jasmine – a stimulant or a sedative, excellent antidepressant and aphrodisiac
• Juniper – good for fatigue and building self-esteem
• Ylang ylang – calming; used as an aphrodisiac and good for panic attacks
• Rosemary – refreshing and stimulating
• Lemon balm – balances emotions
• Sandalwood – used as an antidepressant and aphrodisiac
• Vetiver – balances the nervous system, good for insomnia
• Lavender – a very useful and popular oil, used for relaxing and as an antidepressant and pain killer
• Basil – uplifting


A List of Essential Oils that can be harmful if used incorrectly – these should only be used by a Qualified Aroma therapist

• Ajowan
• Almond, bitter
• Arnica
• Birch, sweet
• Boldo leaf
• Broom, Spanish
• Calamus
• Camphor
• Deertongue
• Garlic
• Horseradish
• Jaborandi
• Melilotus
• Mugwort
• Mustard
• Onion
• Pennyroyal
• Rue
• Sassafras
• Thuja
• Wintergreen
• Wormseed
• Wormwood


Relaxation Tapes and Music

Well there is certainly no doubt that music can have a profound effect on children emotions.