Because of theincidence always higher, the stress in children is a phenomenon that is attracting the attention of experts.
In this article we will explain what are the main causes of stress and what are the symptoms that you need to pay the most utmost attention.
We will also explain how the Educational Yoga can provide a stressed child the tools to regain their own well-being!
Table of Contents
Stressed children: why does it happen?
The phenomenon of stress in children è complex e multifactorial.
Among the main causes we find the school pressures: often, children have to handle homework, assessments e expectations of performance sometimes in excess of their capabilities.
In addition to these, the following can also be a cause of stress unexpected events, such as the problems family, the birth of a baby brother or sister, the loss of a loved one or the moving.
L’hyper-connectedness of contemporary society represents an additional possibility of stress: children are exposed to a constant flow of information and to numerous social pressures through the social media. While these tools offer opportunities for learning and socialization, on the other hand they can be a source of stress e social confrontation, often difficult to handle for younger people.
In general, it is crucial to consider the child’s perception of these situations: what may seem manageable to an adult, may be a source of great anxiety e stress for a child.
In this case, the social context e family plays a crucial: children living in supportive environments are able to manage stress more effectively, while those living in less supportive settings may be more vulnerable.
What symptoms can stress give in children?
Stress in children can manifest itself through a’wide variety of symptoms, which vary greatly according to age, the personality and the context in which the child lives.
Such symptoms include. problems behavioral, emotional, cognitive e physicists, reflecting in this way the broad impact that the stress has on the Development and on the general well-being of the child.
Let’s see in detail what these symptoms are!
Mood swings
Among the most noticeable symptoms of stress in children include the mood swings.
These are sudden changes in the state of mind, without there necessarily being an obvious triggering event.
Such changes emotional can be confusing for parents and educators, making it difficult interpret the signs that the child is sending. It is important to emphasize that these mood swings are not simply whims o problematic behaviors; they are, instead, external manifestations of an internal discomfort that the child may not be able to express in any other way.
The understanding and management of these mood swings requires an approach that is empathic and patient. Adults should seek to Maintaining open communication, encouraging the child to express his or her feelings.
This can not only help identify the causes of stress but also to strengthen the bond between the child and the adult, providing him or her with a sense of security e understanding.
The management of mood swings can also include relaxation techniques o activities that the child finds enjoyable e calming.
However, if mood swings are frequent o particularly intense, it is essential to consider the support from a professional!
Difficulty in concentration and learning
The difficulty in concentration e learning is another significant symptom of stress in children.
This directly affects their school performance and the ability to absorb new information. This often manifests by causing difficulty in attending classes, a keeping their attention for a long time and in complete assigned tasks.
Unlike the mood swings, which are more easily detected, these symptoms may not be immediately apparent.
Stressed children may appear distracted, disinterested o frustrated, not because they lack commitment or interest, but because of the emotional and mental strain they are experiencing.
To address these difficulties, it is essential to Create a calm and supportive learning environment, where children feel listened to e understood. Strategies such as division of tasks into more manageable parts o theintroduction of frequent breaks can help improve concentration.
Again, if concentration difficulties persist o significantly affect the child’s life, it may be appropriate to seek the support of a professional.
Hyperactivity
L’hyperactivity can be another way in which stress manifests itself in children.
This symptom is marked by an increase in physical energy and by difficulty in keeping calm or sitting for prolonged periods of time.
Sometimes, it can be confused with attention disorders such as ADHD, however, in the context of stress in children, thehyperactivity is often a temporary reaction a feelings of anxiety o internal tension. Hyperactivity can also be a attempt to distract from thoughts o stressful concerns.
In general, stressed children may appear restless, move constantly o have difficulty concentrating on a single activity for more than a few minutes at a time.
This behavior is a physical manifestation of their internal discomfort: they try to discharge the accumulated energy resulting from stress through physical activity.
Continuing in the article, we will explain how the Educational Yoga can be effective in managing this symptom!
Physical problems
Among the symptoms of stress in children, the problems physical occupy an important place and are often among the first observable signs.
These may include recurrent headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, sleep problems and loss of appetite. Such symptoms are tangible expressions of emotional tension and stress that the child is experiencing.
In fact, the child’s body reacts to stress by activating the response of “fight or flight”, a defense mechanism that can lead to various physical manifestations. The headache and stomach ache, for example, can be caused by muscle tension or by changes in digestion and in theabsorption of nutrients. I sleep problems, on the other hand, may result from theinability of the body to relax completely due to anxiety or worrisome thoughts.
It is essential that parents and/or the educators recognize these signs and do not underestimate them, as they can be indicators of a greater need for emotional support.
The best approach is to provide a environment of listening and support, encouraging the child to talk about his or her concerns and feelings.
Educational Yoga to relieve stress in children
The Educational Yoga is a very effective for relieving stress in children.
This is a valuable opportunity for the child to learn to take a break, focus on breathing e regain calm and serenity, essential elements to foster a growth harmonious and worry-free growth.
In fact, through the Educational Yoga children learn a lot of tools that enable them to identify and manage their emotions and their manifestations.
This process of inner discovery is supported by the introduction of relaxation techniques simple but effective, useful both in theschool environment and in the extracurricular.
Let’s look in detail at what Educational Yoga techniques can relieve stress in children!
Finding the calm sea
The concept of “finding the calm sea” in the context of Educational Yoga translates into an invitation for children to explore a space of serenity and introspection through the use of the tools provided during the course.
Going through the various stages of theWave of Educational Yoga, in fact, little ones will learn how to create for themselves a quiet refuge, similar to a “corner of the calm sea,” where they can retreat to reflect e listen to themselves, in peace.
This approach not only helps to relieve daily stress, but also promotes a greater self-awareness, teaching children to Recognize and manage their emotions constructively ..
Learn more about The Principles of Educational Yoga!
Discharge games
The game is not just fun! It is an essential component of learning and development childhood. Through play, in fact, children learn to navigate reality, to understand the dynamics social and to express themselves.
Specifically, the discharge games of Educational Yoga, offered immediately after the welcoming circle and before the breathing exercises, aim to rebalance the energy and, consequently, reduce stress.
These games, often played in groups, also teach important lessons about cooperation e respect mutual respect, strengthening the children’s adaptive skills e improving their attention and concentration.
To explore this topic further, read The importance of play in children’s yoga.
Breathing exercises
The exercises of breathing, o Pranayama, constitute a fundamental component of Educational Yoga, as well as a very effective tool for stress management in children.
Practice the Pranayama means learning to regulate the flow of life energy (prana) through specific breathing techniques that not only purify the body’s energy channels, but also improve physical and mental health. This practice helps to stabilizing the mind, facilitating access to a state of deep meditation, of stillness and of inner silence.
Through the Pranayama, children acquire the ability to to remain anchored in the present, thereby improving their concentration e reducing stress levels.
Specifically, in theWave of Educational Yoga the child, after an initial phase of tension (welcoming circle and discharge games), is introduced to the phase of relaxation through the breathing exercises. Only in this way can they achieve a serenity and a calm such as to make effectivetechniques of visualization!
To explore this topic further, read Breathing exercises for children.
Asanas to relieve stress in children
L‘s integration of asanas, o yoga postures, into the daily lives of children offers benefits that go far beyond the improving their flexibility and physical strength.
The asanas promote the development of balance and coordination, make children more aware of their bodies and teach them to better control their breathing. Such skills prove to be invaluable in stress management e anxiety!
But that is not all. By encouraging children to exercise critical thinking e Improving their ability to analyze situations and reactions with greater awareness, the asanas guide the little ones toward a deep self-awareness, helping them to recognize, understand e accepting one’s emotions e moods.
In addition to the personal benefits, through constant practice children Will learn to build connections with themselves e with others in an environment not competitive, which enhances theempathy, the respect and themutual acceptance.
Ultimately, this is a great tool to combat stress in children!
Read more on this topic Yoga postures for children.
Bottom line.
Now you know what are the causes of stress in children e how combat it. As you have discovered, Yoga Educational is a great tool for get it and to foster complete and harmonious development!
If you aspire to become a teacher of yoga for children with a recognized professional qualification, the Educational Yoga course is perfect for you!
Our course will provide you with a comprehensive training, in line with international educational standards, and will enable you to obtain a valid professional qualification.
Being recognized by MIUR, this course ensures that your training is based on sound pedagogical principles and enables you to bring yoga to school, improving the lives of your students!
Find out how to become a children’s yoga teacher!
Contact us, we will be happy to help you!
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Please do not hesitate to contact us to receive further information and discover how we can contribute to the well-being and development of your children and young people.
Send an email to the National Projects Coordinator [email protected]
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Get to know the authors!
A certified instructor of Oki do Yoga, with a master’s degree in “Yoga Studies” from the University of Venice, she is an adjunct lecturer of the advanced training course “Educational Yoga at School” at the University of Padua.
Co-Founder and President of Ssd “Educational Yoga.”
Holding a Ph.D. in Pedagogical, Educational and Training Sciences from the University of Padua. The doctoral thesis focused on the training of trainers in Educational Yoga.
Docent of the advanced training course “Yoga Educativo a scuola.” the Advanced Training Course at UniPd was conceived by the founders of Yoga Educativo, together with Director Prof. Luca Agostinetto.
Co-founder and vice president of Ssd “Educational Yoga.”
