 This year has been a challenging year for most of us. From the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to the still lingering election controversies, it seems the list of stressors for the year 2020 keeps growing. And many of us turn to food for comfort. Being inside and alone can mean that food becomes our only comfort at times. We feel stressed, lonely, cooped up, and panicked. Eating does temporarily increase our serotonin levels and makes us feel good for a short period of time, but that feeling doesn’t last and we find ourselves searching for something else to eat because we need more comfort.
The upcoming holidays can bring about a variety of emotions. For some, the holidays are a time for reflection, friends, family, and festivities. For others, the holidays are a time of stress and anxiety. With increased stress, food can sometimes become an easy method for coping. This year, due to the pandemic and restrictions on travel and large gatherings, our holidays may look different. We may be home alone instead of gathering with friends and family. This may increase our feelings of isolation and sadness, leading to more opportunities to overeat or to comfort ourselves with food. If you tend to turn to food for comfort and emotional support, here are some strategies that could help you deal with holiday stress without overeating.
By practicing these few simple strategies, it is possible to get through the holidays without turning to food for comfort. Pay attention to your body. Eat when you are hungry. Be mindful and slow down while eating. Stop eating when you feel full. Drink plenty of water. Oh, and don’t forget to exercise every day. Have fun this holiday season! But if your eating gets the best of you, remember that Providers for Healthy Living offers nutritional counseling by our licensed dietician, Kelsey Russell, RDN, LD, and cognitive behavioral therapy and obesity medications by our obesity medicine specialist, Matthew Lowe, DO. We are here to help you regain control of your eating and help you meet your nutrition and weight goals, if you need us. Register as a new patient on our website if you are interested in receiving assistance. Photo: https://www.dreamstime.com/thanksgiving-holiday-table-served-turkey-lot-food-roasted-dinner-celebration-apple-mushroom-meal-baked-cooked-image157705400
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 According to a recent survey, over ⅔ of Americans are stressed about this year’s election. If you are in this majority, you may be feeling increased anxiety, difficulty sleeping, trouble focusing on work, or feeling more irritable and on edge. These are all natural responses to increased stress. As the election approaches tomorrow, we are bombarded with commercials, TV interviews, social media posts, and news shows focusing on “what if” scenarios. It’s hard to escape. And given the current pandemic and the number of absentee votes cast by mail, we likely won’t know the outcome of the election for days or even weeks after election day. So, the stress is likely to continue and maybe even increase for days after the election.
What can you do to decrease or manage the stress associated with the upcoming election and the days following? Here are some suggestions:
Remember that none of these strategies will work perfectly the first time you try them and they may not work right away. They take practice and they may take a while to work. Stick with them. If one doesn’t work, try another. Try them all. Also remember that you are not alone. Many people out there feel the same way and are trying to manage their stress. Keep going. It will get better! Photo: https://www.dreamstime.com/election-day-usa-debate-president-voting-election-voting-poster-vote-usa-election-day-usa-debate-president-voting-image191048555  As the new year approaches and open enrollment periods for insurance elections begin soon, it is important to understand all the terms associated with insurance plans and what to look for when making choices for next plan year. The first thing to know when choosing insurance for next plan year is what a plan summary is. A plan summary (or benefits summary) explains all the benefits of your plan. This document, which is available from your employer, insurance broker, etc., should be examined carefully. Make sure it covers all the benefits that you (or your family) need. Any specific treatments or types of care that you or your family needs should be questioned to see if it is covered under the plan. The costs of the plan are also important for you to understand. The costs of the plan include the monthly premiums, but so much more. If the plan has a deductible, this is the amount of money you will need to pay for your own care or your family’s care before the plan pays anything. Sometimes there are copays for office visits separate from or in addition to the plan deductibles that need to be paid. Some plans have a coinsurance percentage (anywhere from 10% to 50% sometimes) that you must pay even after you’ve met your deductible. All plans should also have an out-of-pocket maximum limit that you are required to pay for the plan year, which generally includes deductibles, copays, and coinsurance amounts. Once you’ve paid that out-of-pocket maximum for the plan year, the plan pays 100%. Here’s an example: Jon pays $1000 per month for a single employee plan. His insurance coverage includes a $3000 plan year deductible with a 20% coinsurance after the deductible is met. He has a separate copay for medications of $10 for generic medications, $30 for name-brand medications, and $100 for speciality medications. He also has a $30 copay for primary care, mental health, and walk-in clinics, and a $60 copay for urgent care visits. None of these visits require him to meet his deductible and only require a copay. His plan has a $5000 out-of-pocket maximum per plan year. If Jon goes to an urgent care, he will pay $60 for his copay. The copay would cover his visit with the urgent care provider. If the provider at the urgent care orders labs or x-rays, however, those charges would be applied to his deductible, and he would be responsible for those costs since he has not yet met his deductible. If he had met his deductible, he would still need to pay 20% of the costs of his x-rays and labs. If the urgent care provider prescribed Jon a medication, he would pay a copay at the pharmacy - either $10 for a generic medication or $30 for a name-brand medication. Once he has paid out a total of $5000 for the plan year, including deductible, copays, and co-insurance amounts, his plan would cover 100% of the costs for the remainder of the plan year. My hope is that you understand the information you need to know before making your choice about insurance for the next plan year and that you are more aware of the terms used by insurance companies so that you can make an informed choice. When in doubt, ask your human resources manager, supervisor, or plan administrator. Photo: https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-illustration-health-insurance-concept-doodle-chart-keywords-icons-image78777274 There are many reasons why people experience poor sleep. Some men and women have one of the several medical conditions related to insomnia, such as arthritis or lower back pain. An uncomfortable sleeping environment can also have an impact on your rest, as well as your overall health.  According to the doctors at Harvard Health, external factors such as a room that is too warm or bright can cause you to sleep less or experience less restful sleep throughout the night. If you do not improve your sleep space, your insomnia or medical conditions can get worse. Wondering whether you need to adjust the conditions of your room? Read the following facts. They are sure to inspire and motivate you to improve the way you rest at night. 1. Increased Risk of Disease If an uncomfortable room causes you to have insomnia, you may be increasing your risk of developing a serious medical problem. Experts on sleep and health say that some of the most common conditions related to insufficient sleep include diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. When you do not get enough rest, you may also be suppressing your immune function. This could make you more susceptible to seasonal illnesses, such as the common cold. How to fix it: A quiet room can help ensure you fall asleep fast and keep resting until it is time to wake up. If you are a light sleeper, try using a fan or a sound machine. The moderate amount of white noise can help to block out any outside traffic or noise inside the home. Some sound machines come with color-changing properties or nature sounds, so you can help lull yourself to sleep and stay in a peaceful state throughout the night. If you already have a chronic health condition, make changes to your space as soon as possible so you can get enough sleep. Talking to your doctor about your insomnia can help them monitor your symptoms and, if necessary, find additional treatment options. 2. Changes in Mood or Energy When you are experiencing sleep deprivation, it is common to feel more cranky than usual. This is because a lack of sleep is tied to your energy level and mood. Unfortunately, this irritability and anger can negatively affect your personal relationships and may even hinder your performance at work. It can even make you more susceptible to developing symptoms of anxiety and depression. If you already have one of these health conditions, they could become worse. How to fix it: Try one of the many relaxation techniques for winding down at night. Self-massage, a warm bath, and aromatherapy with essential oils are just a few of the activities you can do before bed to help you to de-stress. Among the most common essential oils for sleep is lavender, but you can also try cedarwood or bergamot. If you think you are experiencing mood changes as a result of poor sleep, talk to your doctor. They can help you find the best way to feel better, as well as recommend their favorite ways for you to enhance your sleeping environment.  3. Loss of Memory When you sleep at night, says WebMD, your brain gets the time to process information from the day. It also forms memories of what you have learned. If you do not give yourself the time to go through each sleep cycle, you could experience memory loss. It may even be more difficult to recall information, such as old facts or past events. By getting the right amount of sleep each night, you can help to improve your memory and processing. How to fix it: Be sure you are getting the right amount of sleep for your age and personal needs. Make sure your room temperature is cool and comfortable, so you do not wake up as much throughout the night. Choosing the right sheets and blankets for the temperature and season can also help to prevent discomfort and sweating. 4. More Back Pain Sleep problems due to an uncomfortable environment can also contribute to increased lower back pain. According to Spine-Health, a lack of restorative sleep only enhances pain and tension in the body. When you are tossing and turning, you become more aware of the discomfort. Waking up frequently can also make it more difficult to find a relaxing position. If you do not have the right pillows or mattresses, it is possible to experience more pain and soreness. How to fix it: Invest in a body pillow or cushion to put between your legs. This small adjustment can help you find the right position for sleep, even if you are living with lower back pain. Consider installing light-filtering or blackout blinds, which will help to block out the sun, as well as streetlights. Declutter your room so you can stretch or do relaxation activities before bed. A clean and neat space will help you find your Zen as you meditate, breathe deeply, or rest your legs and back.  Improving Your Sleeping Environment By adjusting your sleeping environment, you can improve your sleep hygiene. You can also help to reduce symptoms of chronic conditions, including lower back pain. To help yourself sleep at night, try laser therapy for back pain. This therapy uses a technology known as photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), also formerly often referred to as low-level light therapy (LLLT). Wearing a safe PBMT device for just 30 minutes per day can help to enhance your comfort, mobility, and function both day and night. Now you have a variety of solutions at your fingertips. Follow the suggestions above and use the tools we have included in this guide to make your room more acceptable for rest and your body more ready for sleep. Staying committed to improving your sleep routine can enhance your whole body wellness. Photos: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/interior-white-gray-cozy-bedroom-593768396 https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/tired-businesswoman-sleeping-on-table-office-391111147 https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/beautiful-young-woman-sleeping-on-bed-613463918 About the Author: Mark Broadly graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2016 with a double major in Biology and Chemistry. He is now a student at Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta working towards his Masters in Clinical Research. In the little free time he has, he loves writing about his experiences and knowledge in the health and wellness field.
 According to the World Health Organization, more than 264 million people around the world suffer from depression. Many don’t realize that depression not only changes one’s mood, but can result in body aches, especially back pain. This article will explore more behind this mental health concern and how back pain is connected to it. What Causes Depression? Depression can be caused by a handful of things. This includes:
Signs of Depression This health issue affects people in many different ways:
How Depression Triggers Back Pain  Many often don’t realize that depression can result in back pain. This is because it causes tension in the body, especially toward the lower back. In fact, studies have shown that those with depression tend to feel pain more than others which can make their back pain even more intolerable. Ways to Help Reduce Back Pain When Suffering From Depression  Use Natural Antidepressants
Using natural antidepressants will not only boost your mood, but will prevent pain. Chamomile This herb has long been used to help acute back pain. It’s able to do this thanks to the high levels of glycerine, a type of amino acid. Drinking a warm cup of chamomile tea isn’t only soothing, but can reduce anxiety and ease tense muscles. Lavender A few studies have shown that lavender could help improve the body's central nervous system, something that affects how the brain functions. Lavender not only helps with releasing more serotonin (a chemical that positively adjusts your mood), but is anti-inflammatory. This can help with swelling and tension caused by back pain. Omega-3 Omega-3, especially in the form of fish oil, could help improve back pain. In a 2006 study, 250 patients with neck or back pain were given fish oil as a natural NSAID (anti-inflammatory). Toward the end of the study, 125 participants found that fish oil helped with their pain. In addition to helping with back discomfort, Omega-3 could also improve mood due to its high amounts of fatty acids that keep the brain healthy. Peppers It might surprise you to learn that peppers can be used as a natural antidepressant. Due to their high levels of capsaicin, this vegetable can boost your mood. Peppers are also anti-inflammatory, which can help with reducing back pain caused by depression and can help heal the affected areas. Kiwi Kiwi is packed with vitamin C which is needed for producing collagen. Collagen is believed to help keep your muscles healthy which can reduce back pain. In addition to this, kiwis can prevent fatigue and give you more energy. Saffron This tangy spice has been found by numerous studies, including one published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences, to be helpful against depression. While it’s not known exactly why it’s able to do so, many believe it boosts serotonin levels in the brain and prevents oxidative stress. Saffron can also improve back pain because it stops muscle weakness and inflammation. Spinach This leafy green has an impressive amount of tryptophan and folate which both increase your body’s serotonin levels. Because it’s also packed with magnesium, it can prevent and treat back pain by relaxing your muscles. Try Journaling Sometimes back pain can be caused by stress due to an overflow of emotions. By journaling, you might find that releasing these feelings can help muscles in your back to relax because you aren’t building tension in them. Do Exercises Exercising has been shown to help significantly decrease back pain. In one study published in the medical journal Healthcare, over 32% of participants who completed a home exercise routine found that their back pain dramatically reduced. By doing simple exercises, like walking or jumping jacks, you’ll encourage your body to release endorphins. These natural chemicals are a type of painkiller that often lead to euphoria. By moving around and keeping your body active, you’ll not only prevent tension that can cause back pain, but will also improve your mood. Get a Massage A popular and very calming way to stop back pain is to get a massage. This is one of the many benefits of going to a chiropractor as they offer various types of massages to help stop your pain. In a study done by the Mayo Clinic, massage therapy was shown to help relax participants and improved their mood. This is because it works to lower cortisol (a stress hormone) and release more serotonin. There are a handful of massages that can be done to help improve mood and decrease back pain.
Meditation Meditation might also be useful to try. It’s able to slow your heart rate which can reduce stress and anxiety and has been shown to improve mood. Meditation also works to release built-up tension which can dramatically reduce back pain. Depression is a serious mental health issue that can result in a variety of different symptoms, including back pain. However, by understanding how back pain is connected to it, you can work toward not only preventing it, but also reducing other complications caused by depression. References https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/index.shtml https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/pain-and-depression/faq-20057823 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4934575/ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/can-massage-relieve-symptoms-of-depression-anxiety-and-stress https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5437114/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16531187/ https://www.psypost.org/2018/10/capsaicin-from-chili-peppers-found-to-produce-antidepressant-like-effects-in-rats-52322 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6266642/ About the Author - Dr. Brent Wells founded Better Health Chiropractic Alaska in 1998. He is currently leading 10,000 Alaskans to more active and pain-free lifestyles without drugs or invasive surgeries. He brings a progressive and highly innovative approach to chiropractic care. Dr. Wells continues to further his education with ongoing studies in spine conditions, neurology, physical rehabilitation, biomechanics, occupational ergonomics, whiplash, and brain injury traumatology. He is also a member of the American Chiropractic Association and the American Academy of Spine Physicians.  If you tend to toss and turn at night, your sleeping troubles could be due to stress, your health, or it may be the way your bedroom is currently structured. Whether you suffer from insomnia or experience occasional trouble getting a good night’s rest, there are some things you can do to enjoy a deeper, more restful sleep. One of the best things you can do for your health and well-being is to get adequate sleep each night. Read on to learn more about the importance of getting a good night’s sleep and how you can take proactive steps at home for a restful slumber.
The Importance and Benefits of Getting a Good Night’s Sleep Lack of deep sleep can have a major negative impact on your health. When you don’t get a good night’s sleep, you’ll feel sluggish and moody the next day. Some side effects of missing out on sleep include fatigue, an inability to focus, and overeating. Some studies have shown that lack of sleep can actually contribute to obesity since it increases your levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that makes you feel hungry during the day. If you get enough hours of sleep each night, you’ll be more focused and alert. Lack of sleep can cause serious safety issues, such as car accidents or injuries at work. REM sleep provides plenty of benefits that can improve your health, including: 1. Improved learning and better brain function 2. Steady mood (no mood swings) 3. More energy – both physical and mental 4. Healthy heart and lung function 5. A stronger immune system If you’re currently struggling with insomnia or find that you wake up several times throughout the night and can’t fall back to sleep, you can take proactive steps to create a more restful, relaxing environment. Practicing stress management techniques and learning how to deal with anxiety can help to improve sleep. Turning off your smartphone before bedtime will also promote a healthier sleep pattern. Make Your Bed and Bedroom Comfortable One way to get a good night’s rest is to create a soothing, comfortable sleeping environment. The wall color and bedding colors in your bedroom can have a significant impact on your ability to achieve a restful night of sleep. Consider changing your bedroom colors to soft pastels and neutral tones rather than bright, vibrant colors. Soft blue, gray, and tan can calm the mind and encourage your brain to slow down and rest. Add a few plants like Lavender or Golden Pothos to your bedroom to help promote better sleep. Houseplants are easy to care for and they clean the air and contribute to a soothing environment. When you shop for bedding, choose lightweight cotton sheets that are soft but also not too heavy. Look for pillows and mattresses that support your personal sleep style so you’re not putting too much pressure on the back and neck. Side sleepers and back sleepers tend to do well with memory foam, while stomach sleepers should look for hybrid mattresses or those with an innerspring coil system. Lighting Tips A consistent cycle of sunlight and darkness helps the human body produce melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. If your bedroom is too bright, it can interfere with melatonin levels which will make getting a good night’s rest much more difficult. To combat this problem, use dimmer switches in the bedroom and turn the light levels lower at least two to three hours before bedtime. If you enjoy reading before you head off to dreamland, swap the bulbs in your table lamp from a bright to a low-wattage bulb. As the light in your bedroom dims, it naturally tells the body it’s time to get ready for rest. If the sunlight coming through your windows keeps you awake, use a set of blackout curtains. These heavy curtains can keep the sunlight from filtering in, so your bedroom stays nice and dark until you’re ready to wake. Achieve the Ideal Temperature for Sleeping Most people sleep better in cooler temperatures, so it’s important that you’re able to achieve the right temps in your bedroom. As you get ready to fall asleep, your body temperature starts to drop. When you keep your room cool at temperatures between 60 and 67 degrees, it helps cool your body down to encourage deeper sleep. If you have a warm bedroom, you can remedy the problem with a fan that you can aim to blow cool air on your body. Turn your home’s air conditioning system to a comfortable level that will keep you cool throughout the night. Avoid sleeping in heavy pajamas that can make you feel hot. Instead, switch to lightweight cotton or breathable linen for your bedtime outfits or a light summer blanket. More Helpful Tips for Better Sleep Struggling with insomnia and sleep difficulties can have a ripple effect on your health and your mental well-being. If you set up a comfortable bedroom that uses calming colors, cooler temperatures, and dim lights, this should help you fall asleep faster and for longer. However, there are plenty of other things you can do to experience a good night of rest at home. Here are some other things that may encourage solid sleep that lasts throughout the night:
Sleeping Apps to Download There are several apps for your smartphone that may help you get to sleep faster. These apps are designed to calm the mind and give you a sense of tranquility before you go to bed. Whether you have an Android or an iPhone, you can find these apps through your phone’s app store and give them a try. Here are a few of the most popular sleeping apps available today: Calm This app offers a variety of meditation practices you can try to help you feel calm before you go to bed. The app offers a unique new 10-minute meditation every day for users, so you’ll always have something different to try. It also features a variety of music selections that promote a calming feeling, and you can also pay for exercise videos, nature scenes, and sounds, or participate in a masterclass led by professional mindfulness experts. Sleep Cycle The Sleep Cycle alarm clock app uses sound analysis to identify your unique sleep cycle patterns. The app looks at sleep states and tracks your movement while you’re in bed. Smart Cycle then uses a wake-up phase that ends when you set your desired alarm time. Throughout the phase, it closely monitors signals from your body and then wakes you up softly when you enter the lightest sleep stage. Headspace If you’re new to the concept of meditation, the Headspace app is an excellent place to start. This app has a focus on mindfulness and provides detailed instructions to help you get started. Use your headphones when you use this app and enjoy calming meditations for all levels. Be sure to take advantage of the reminder system which will alert you when it’s time to participate in a new meditation session. From a cooler bedroom to noise reduction, there are plenty of things you can do to help ensure you’re getting the sleep you need. With a good night’s sleep, you’ll feel stronger, more positive, and ready to face the day. Try these tips to see which ones may help you get back into a healthy sleep cycle. **Originally posted on Porch.com** About the Author: Rocio is a SEO Marketing Specialist and does Content Marketing at Porch. She is passionate about wellness and fitness, and her hobbies are reading, writing, and music. Most of us know that physical activity has been widely correlated with a reduction in depression and anxiety. According to researchers, the general recommendation is for 30-60 minutes a day of physical activity on 3-5 times each week. More recently, achieving this recommendation by going to a gym or fitness facility has become literally impossible as most are closed for the foreseeable future.
What we often take for granted are the health benefits of less structured physical activity, such as walking, cleaning, playing, dancing, gardening, and meditative movements, like stretching and yoga. All of these can be done now, at home, whenever you have time, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. What I hope many of you can put aside right now are the "traditional" motivators for exercise, which include: burning a certain number of calories, changing body shape or size (losing weight), and "earning" certain foods or "working off" certain foods. Instead, use joyful movement to enjoy connecting with your body and to relieve stress. You can do it with friends, family, or alone for however long feels good to you. Your body will thank you for it. A few years ago, I had some family staying at our home. While watching a movie, one of my nephews stood up in the middle of the room and began puking. I will save you the details, but know it was not a pleasant sight.
A few minutes later, his brother joined in. We all stood around in shock; they had obviously come down with the stomach flu. No one likes getting sick, but I must confess that I am a really big wimp when I do catch the dreaded bug. Eager to defend my home, I grabbed my bottle of cleaner and several rags, ready to clean up. In the next two hours, I began sanitizing every surface in the house. The two boys remained in the guest bedroom, and I warded off the germs from spreading any further. After a couple of days, we anxiously waited for the icky feeling in our stomachs to arise, but it never did. Our cleaning had defeated the flu! Whether you are sick from a common cold or a nasty stomach flu, you should always clean your home in these seven ways to keep your home healthy and your body strong. CHANGE THE SHEETS When I am sick, my bed becomes home to both me and my germs. Grab the sheets, blankets, and pillowcases and toss them all in the washer. Even clean up bedding that doesn’t have germs to get all of the laundry done at the same time and ensure that no germs make it out alive. Let them soak for an extra 15 minutes; this will help the water loosen any residue. If your pillows are due for replacing, use this sickness as an opportunity to get new ones. THROW OUT THE TOOTHBRUSHES Toss the brushes and buy yourself some new ones. You can get inexpensive ones at the dollar store, but the toothbrushes are the first things that need to go; don’t even bother trying to clean them. SANITIZE DOOR KNOBS Door knobs are opened and closed all day long by the sick and healthy people in a home. Wipe them down with a cleaning product that contains bleach to disinfect them completely. Wiping off knobs will keep the germs from spreading to others in the home who are not sick. SCRUB THE BATHROOM The bathroom is my second home when I have the flu and is the first room I clean during recovery. It helps to clean it several times while you are sick to ensure that those germs aren’t making their way out. WASH CLOTHING Do all of the laundry in the house, but don’t forget any clothes you were wearing while sick. It always helps me to do a “sick” load of laundry full of towels, cleaning rags, rugs, clothes, and sheets. Clean up laundry to make sure every load is full and water is not being wasted. CLEAN REFRIGERATOR AND MICROWAVE HANDLES The refrigerator and microwave handles are often forgotten, but if you are like me, they are opened up more than any doorknobs in the rest of the house. Scrub them down, and don’t forget to wash containers inside the refrigerator, too. CLEAN VACUUM FILTER I typically vacuum the entire house after recovering from the flu, but I forget about the filter. After vacuuming the floors and rugs in your house, make sure you remove the filter and clean it, too. You don’t want any germs trapped inside the filter of your vacuum. Most viruses can only spread by entering your body through your mouth, nose, or eyes. You might keep your hands clean, but as soon as you touch a dirty surface, you have the germs on your hands. Rubbing your eyes, wiping your nose, or eating a snack are ways germs can enter your body. The best way to prevent the spread is to completely get rid of them on all surfaces. Once the flu has coursed through your body, get your house cleaned up to keep your body feeling healthy. Source: BusyBee Cleaning Service School avoidance, sometimes called school refusal or school phobia, is a growing concern affecting up to 25% of students. School avoidance is stressful for parents and children alike, and the situation is often difficult to navigate both at home and at school.
Children avoiding school may exhibit outright refusal, may complain of vague physical symptoms, or may come up with very creative reasons for not attending school. Most commonly, children with complain of unexplainable physical symptoms – things like headaches, upset stomach, nausea, and dizziness. These symptoms are typically only present on school days, with weekends being complaint-free. If a child experiencing school avoidance attends school, he may frequently visit the school nurse or experience separation anxiety from parents while at school. Children typically avoid school for reasons they aren’t capable of verbalizing or willing to share with parents. It is important to consider that students who avoid school may be experiencing anxiety or trying to avoid negative experiences at school. Fear of failure, perceived “meanness” of teachers/school staff/other students, issues with peers, bullying, and fear of using a public restroom are all possible contributors to school avoidance. TIPS FOR PARENTS: Have an open dialogue with your child about why he doesn’t want to attend school. Consider all possibilities and offer your child sympathy and support. Brainstorm solutions with your child for any issues identified and rehearse responses for any difficult situations your child anticipates. Acknowledge your child’s feelings, but insist on her immediate return to school. The longer your child stays home, the more difficult her eventual return to school will be. Explain to your child that attending school is required by the law. Understand that your child will likely become more insistent on staying home several days, but you must make a commitment to remain firm in your expectation for school attendance. Discuss your child’s reasons for school avoidance with teachers/school staff. Enlist their support in your child’s return to school. If bullying or issues with teachers have been identified as reasons for school avoidance, discuss these issues with school staff immediately and discuss options for quick resolution. Discuss a gradual return - starting with several hours daily and building to a full school day - if needed. Discuss the positive aspects of school with your child. Identify friends that your child can lean on when feeling anxious or sad. If your child is having difficulty making friends, enlist the help of teachers or the school guidance counselor to encourage engagement with others students – buddy lunches or getting to spend a recess inside with one or two other students may help your child build friendships. Encourage your child to engage in hobbies and interests. Fun will help your child relax and hobbies are great distractions that will help your child build self-confidence. If your child is not currently in therapy, enlist the help of a counselor to help your child verbalize feelings and build healthy coping skills. Encouraging your child to understand and protect their own mental health is a gift that will last a lifetime.  Source The first year I moved from a place with warm, sunny winter to one with winters that are cold and gray was far from easy. But the antidote was I went for a walk every day. No matter what — no matter how cold, no matter how raw, no matter how snowy — I walked. A passionate walker, hiker, jogger, and gardener, the solution felt natural. I always go outside, for the joy of it on the bright days as well as on days that are either literally or figuratively, dark. Folk wisdom has long held that natural beauty, fresh air, and sunshine can lift moods of depression and anxiety. Now studies show how well green therapy works as a natural solution for difficult moods. Time outdoors gets you moving, which in itself promotes a sense of well-being. But you don’t have to experience a runner’s high to enjoy the mood-elevating benefits of the outdoors. That spike in endorphins that comes from vigorous aerobic effort is also possible by walking in the park. Studies show regular brisk walking can effectively combat anxiety and depression. And a green walk is more effective than walking indoors. Taking a walk in your own backyard is also effective. When’s the last time you listened to the birds chirp, or the trees rustle? Do you even know what kind of trees are planted in your yard? Take an afternoon to identify them. Better yet, plant a few new ones. As little as 5 minutes in a natural setting can improve self-esteem, mood, and motivation. It allows you to connect with nature and its beauty, and concentrate on small achievable goals. In Japan, they call this "forest bathing," or "shinrin-yoku." It's a decades-old practice of connecting with nature through our senses. Some doctors are now prescribing it to their patients to reduce stress and blood pressure. You don't have to hike, jog, or work up a sweat to appreciate the sounds, smells, and sights of the forest. Taking a walk in the woods during the day can also help with seasonal affective disorder. Doctors say exposure to bright light helps reduce depression and anxiety. Mother nature isn't a replacement for mental health therapy, but rather a supplement. Professionals are now integrating green therapy into their workday schedules. Adventure Therapy This involves physical activities along with psychological exercises, usually carried out in groups. Activities such as rafting, rock climbing, and paintball games get the adrenaline flowing. Animal-Assisted Therapy Conducted by a professional, this focuses on the interaction between individuals and animals like horses and dogs. This therapy can be a one-to-one activity or done in a group. Green Exercise Therapy This involves physical activities or exercises in green spaces, such as walking, running, and cycling. It's usually led by a trained instructor. Therapeutic Gardening There's something about digging in the dirt that lifts up people struggling with mental and emotional issues. It can take several forms: Social and therapeutic horticulture Gardening or growing food in community gardens or nurseries, with the help of qualified tutors. Care farming This is popular in many care centers for people with disabilities. It focuses on growing farm crops and looking after farm animals. Environmental conservation combines with nature classes under the direction of a group leader. If you opt for therapeutic gardening, don’t neglect your own backyard, which you can access anytime without the help of a leader. All the great things about the garden can come into play to combat anxiety and depression: the sight, sounds, and smells of the great outdoors; the joy of creating something beautiful and life-sustaining for yourself and your family; and the benefits of physical exertion. Gardening also expresses and reinforces faith and hope for the future. You are, after all, planting something today that will flourish tomorrow. Green therapy in or out of the garden can also provide an additional benefit. It can yield activities, habits, and even objects that can give you joy for years after the dark days subside. Olivia Macdonald loves the outdoors, especially when she’s in motion in it — whether hiking trails, running 5Ks, skiing or cycling on a mountain bike or road bike. |
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