| When talking about the stress that today's children | | | | Meditation |
| experience there are two basic schools of thought. | | | | Another excellent stress relief activity for kids is |
| One school says that there is no added stress and | | | | through the use of meditation. Meditation is simply a |
| that the stress level of today's generation of children | | | | time set-aside during the course of the day to |
| is no different than previous generations of children. | | | | release the mind from the bombarding thoughts of |
| The other school of thought states that the children | | | | the day. This is simply accomplished by concentrating |
| of today are under enormous pressure to succeed | | | | on one's breathing and releasing the thoughts that |
| academically and socially. This school of thought | | | | would endeavor to enter the mind. |
| further asserts that because of these increased | | | | Also, another technique to help facilitate meditation |
| pressures there is tremendous stress that is | | | | and practicing stress relief activities for kids is |
| experienced. | | | | through the vocalization of a mantra. A mantra is |
| Regardless of which school of thought the reader | | | | simply a word or number of words that help the |
| may be associated with, it is important to practice | | | | individual to meditate. When the mantra is vocalized |
| stress relief activities for kids at an early age. These | | | | the other thoughts are diffused and oneness with |
| stress relief activities for kids will help the young child | | | | the individual's spirit is obtained. |
| to cope with any stress that they are currently | | | | The use of meditation not only helps to relieve |
| experiencing and will create good habits in dealing | | | | stress, but has a powerful effect on the other |
| with stress in later life. A few stress relief activities | | | | physiological functions. One of those physical benefits |
| for kids include the involvement in hobbies, practicing | | | | of meditation is a reduction in blood pressure. |
| meditation and calming activities before bedtime. | | | | Calming Activities Before Bedtime |
| Hobbies | | | | Of all the stress relief activities for kids, probably the |
| One simple but powerful stress relieving activity is | | | | most practical is the use of calming activities before |
| through the use of a hobby. A hobby is that activity | | | | the child's bedtime. This can be simply accomplished |
| that is practiced or accomplished in which there are | | | | by turning off the television an hour or so before |
| no expectations. It is simply a pastime that is done | | | | bedtime. This simple measure will allow the child to |
| for the sheer enjoyment of the enthusiast. | | | | begin their resting period and calm down before going |
| A hobby can be the involvement in a sport, creation | | | | to sleep. |
| of a craft, woodworking, coin collecting, etc. | | | | Also, before bedtime, other stress relief activities for |
| Examples can include the playing of chess, bowling or | | | | kids can be incorporated. Therefore, practicing |
| playing softball, working in the woodshop building a | | | | meditation, yoga or enjoying a relaxing bedtime story |
| bird house, etc. Again, the purpose of taking up a | | | | can do wonders to reduce the stress level in the child |
| hobby as a stress relief activity for kids is to provide | | | | or can help to create good habits as they mature |
| a diversion and not an additional activity that requires | | | | into adulthood. |
| the person to excel or be the best. | | | | |