STRESS!!!!
As we get closer and closer towards conference and exam season, we wanted to send a reminder out about tips both parents and kids can do to help manage stress. Some may scoff at practicing mindfulness or meditation to help their stress levels, but it really does help!
Our bodies contain a hormone called Cortisol. It is produced by our adrenal glands, and it plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s response to stress, metabolism, inflammation, and blood pressure. And since it is a part of the glucocorticoid family of hormones, it impacts almost every organ and tissue in our bodies. So, making sure we have just the right amount of Cortisol is crucial.
Key Functions of Cortisol:
• Stress Response: Acts as the “stress hormone,” and is released during various types of stress (acute, chronic, traumatic).
• Metabolism Regulation: Controls how the body uses fats, proteins, and carbohydrates for energy.
• Inflammation Suppression: Can boost immunity by limiting inflammation in short bursts but may lead to weakened immunity if levels remain high.
• Blood Sugar Regulation: Works with insulin to maintain blood sugar levels; chronically high cortisol can lead to Type 2 diabetes.
• Sleep-Wake Cycle: Levels peak in the morning and decline at night, influencing our circadian rhythms.
Managing Cortisol Levels:
If at any point you wonder whether your or your kids’ cortisol levels are too high or too low, it is good to see a doctor so they can run a simple blood test and tell you about you or your kids’ cortisol levels. Otherwise, make sure you keep them in-check by doing at least a couple of these things in your free time:
1. Get proper rest and sleep
2. Focus on health and nutrition
3. Be active
4. Have a stress outlet
5. Find connections
6. Practice self-care
7. Manage time effectively
8. Stay organized
9. Practice positive thinking
10. Try mindfulness exercises
11. Start journaling
12. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
If you feel like your kids are struggling with too much stress, feel free to reach out to our teachers to see what we can do to mitigate the amount of stress your child experiences in school. No one should feel like they’re going through an extremely stressful time alone.
With love,
Your YALA teachers <3
If you want to read more about stress management and Cortisol, follow these links used to write this newsletter:
The Importance of Boredom
“I’m bored!” Yes, you might have heard that recently as busy summer schedules are winding down and summer marches toward the beginning of the school year in August. During a recent visit my sister and I were talking about this. I knew NOT to say I’m bored because it meant I would get assigned an additional chore to “keep me busy, not bored.” My sister was excellent at “being bored” watching ants or staring at the clouds in the sky. In general, we all avoid being bored. We don’t have time to be bored! If we are caught in a moment that isn’t scheduled, we pull out our phones to check email, social media or newsbytes. Actually, there is value in being bored. Yes, you read that correctly—BE BORED!
In our fast-paced world, where screens and schedules keep us constantly engaged, boredom might seem like an inconvenience. However, it’s actually a crucial part of healthy cognitive development and creativity. Here’s why embracing moments of boredom can be beneficial:
1. Reflecting and Processing: Boredom gives our brains the space to process past experiences and sort through thoughts and emotions. When our minds are not occupied with structured tasks, they can reflect on what we’ve learned and experienced. This reflection helps us make sense of our past and can illuminate ideas and insights for the future.
2. Fostering Creativity: Unstructured time allows our minds to wander freely, leading to creative problem-solving and innovative thinking. Without the constant stimulation of screens or scheduled activities, students are more likely to engage in imaginative play and generate original ideas.
3. Observing the World: Moments of boredom encourage us to slow down and observe our surroundings. This heightened awareness can enhance our appreciation of the world around us and lead to deeper understanding and connection with our environment.
Encouraging your child to embrace boredom can be as simple as allowing them some downtime without structured activities or screen time. Let them find their own ways to fill these moments—whether through daydreaming, exploring nature, or engaging in free play.
By giving them the space to experience boredom, you’re helping them develop essential skills for processing their thoughts, sparking creativity, and gaining a richer perspective on their surroundings.
For more thoughts on being bored check out The Happiness Lab
