Stress is defined by the National Institute of Mental Health as simply “the response of the brain to any demand.” Taking this definition in consideration, not all stress is bad. It is just a reaction. In the end, how harmful it can prove to be, it depends on its severity, length and care.
Stress can be of a number of different types. Some stress arises as a result of a single, short-term occurrence — for instance having an disagreement with a loved one. Other stresses occur because of recurrent conditions, such as managing a long-term illness or a demanding job. If recurrent symptoms cause stress that is both severe and long term, it can be called “chronic” or “toxic“.
Consequences of stress:
Although stress itself isn’t inherently harmful, cortisol build-up in the brain can have long-term effects. Consequently, chronic stress can cause health problems. The functions of cortisol are a part of the body’s normal cycle. The hormone is perfectly normal and balanced, in moderation.
Cortisol helps to control blood sugar levels in cells and has functional importance in the hippocampus, where memories are stored and processed and also restores equilibrium.
Yet when there is constant stress, the body creates more cortisol than it can absorb. It is where tension and cortisol will cause trouble. High cortisol levels can wear away the ability of the brain to function properly.
Stress impact on body
Chronic stress does not necessarily contribute to cognitive decline. It can also lead to other major problems, such as increased heart disease risk, high blood pressure and diabetes. Other body processes, including the digestive, excretory and reproductive structures, stop functioning properly too. Toxic stress can impair the immune system of the body and worsen the situation.
What causes stress in children:
We already know a lot of students — from elementary to high school who encounter tension. In a study conducted in U.S., parents reported that 37% of children skipped meals due to stress.
These can be possible reasons-
Many students are concerned about having a good grade or just finding time to prepare because there is more than one exam coming up. Exam stress does not only affect students who are struggling but high-achievers also usually feel a lot of stress on performing well on exams.
- Next Tests
Many students are concerned about having a good grade or just finding time to prepare because there is more than one exam coming up. Exam stress does not only affect students who are struggling but high-achievers also usually feel a lot of stress on performing well on exams.
- Excessive reading
When your child is overwhelmed or frustrated by homework, completing assignments is made more difficult for him or her. It can lead to a frustrating process in which homework piles up and your child has little time or motivation to complete it all — leading to even greater stress.
- A substantial workload
A heavy workload can be a big source of stress for students, whether it’s advanced-level courses or the amount of research required. This is especially important for older high school students as they begin to draw up their post-secondary plans.
- Missing organisation
Students with low interpersonal skills are more likely to encounter stress in school. Generally that is because they aren’t adequately trained with the knowledge or understanding to learn. If these organizational skills do not develop, they will tend to fall behind, leading to more school tension and dissatisfaction.
- Missing the support
A lack of parent or teacher help, even if just perceived, may bring a great deal of stress to the students. They may feel like they are expecting a lot, but they don’t have a large enough support network (emotional or practical) to achieve their goals. It is another source of stress that can impact especially highly attainable students.
- Low expected sleep
Not having enough sleep makes focus and successful learning challenging for the students. It can give your child a feeling of discomfort when he or she is unable to perform well in college or on assignments. In fact, studies have shown that students who do not get the 8-10 hours of sleep needed every night are more likely to feel depressed than the students who do.
- Too much “dead time”
Students with hectic schedules will easily get stressed, because they have little spare time to relax. When your child moves from elementary to high school, the amount and complexity of schoolwork increases — and students will face even more stress without strong time management skills.
- Routine improvements
A routine that involves dedicated homework time and a regular sleep schedule helps guide students through their day. If adjustments to the normal routine begin to occur, your child can find it harder to control his or her time, contributing to greater stress.
Parental Stress Causes
Twenty-four per cent of adults experience intense stress, up from 18 per cent the previous year.
Parental stress is the discomfort you encounter when you feel you ‘re just not able to cope with as a parent. The demands that are placed upon you are too high. You don’t have the resources to reach them.
Parents often show higher rates of health than children less adults do. But only when the pressures thereof are fairly small.
Parents appear to be happier than the childless ones particularly if their offspring have grown up and left the nest.
Parents also show better well-being if they have high social support rates and/or children without problems: children with easy temperatures, in good physical health.
So what does worse determine? Any of these conditions will:
- Getting at least one tough-tempered child;
- Seeing at least one child with issues of medical, emotional or behavioural nature;
- Having only poor social support levels;
- A single parent;
- Getting a little boy.
Researches have proven that sex of parents, previous experience, and seriousness of childhood illness can affect their responses to stress.
It is more fun to believe that tension from parenting is merely a state of mind. Say the right thoughts and it will melt away your problems.
But I guess, facing truth is more beneficial.
A lot of stress on parenting is triggered by — or exacerbated by — systemic features of society. Compared to our ancestors of hunter-gatherers and early farmers, we lack vital support structures to raise our children.
That’s not anything to be forgotten, to set aside as you move on. It’s very important you ‘re not feeling stressed, fed up or burnt out. Not only because its intrinsically important to your well-being. But also because it affects your parenting — and the kids.
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