Stress: the way our bodies and minds react to life changes.

Parents are right when they say stress was part of their own high school experience.  But it wasn’t until I heard Dr. Roca speak that I understood why our kids are MORE stressed out that we were. “Your teenagers face the same predictable stress associated with adolescence, plus a whole new category of “modern” stress. “

Cyber bullying

Over scheduling

Excessive Extra-Curricular Activities

Excessive Homework

Unrealistic Expectations: physically & socially

Video Generation

Texting

“I’m not happy unless I have a perfect practice.  A good day is when the coach says something positive to me. I do worry that the other teammates may get mad, but I have to think about myself.  Here’s my life: I train every day, go to school 5 days a week, worry about the grades I need to get into the best college, hope my friends don’t say anything mean about me, try to do some community service and hope my parents are proud of me.”  Sarah

This “state of mind” sounds like the new normal of adolescence.  I am guilty of accepting this life style as normal, too.

The purpose of Dr. Roca speaking to parents of high school students was to educate us on stress during adolescence and provide us with some suggestions to help relieve the stress.

My number one take away – the stress reducing suggestions I often recommend, keep the body and mind stimulated.  Some (old) suggestions – high-energy music, TV, video games, exercise, and reading – just distract you from the stress.

What do stressed bodies and minds need?

We need activities that calm and relax us. Teaching our athletes to recognize when they are stressed and giving them techniques that work to relieve the stress are crucial to raising a stronger, smarter, safer high school athlete.

Coming up this week: Activities to Quiet the Body & Mind