i had severe stress during my growing year, but i still grew.. alot acutally.. u think i wouldve grown more if i didnt have any stress? Let us start with what determines growth. The two biggest influences on growth are genetics and nutrition.
Genetics: Most people will grow up to be the same size as their parents or parents鈥?family. This may be simple when dad and mom are both 5ft 8in. or complicated when dad is 6 ft 4 and Mom is 5 ft 2. But in general you can expect to be like your parents in size.
Nutrition: Poor nutrition will prevent people from reaching their maximum growth potential. Thus it is important to eat healthy and well.
Stress: Stress is a complicated issue; there are different types of stress and not everyone reacts to stress in the same way. We will assume that you are asking about chronic and not acute stress. Chronic stress can be caused by external or internal factors.
External stressors include:
1. Environment: such as too hot or too cold, or trauma;
2. Hard labor causing pain;
3. Psychological: such as an abusive situation
Internal Stressors include:
1. Physical: diseases like diabetes, arthritis, infections or other chronic disorders;
2. Psychological: intense worry (succeeding in school or after finishing school, am I fitting in [isolation], the end of the world, etc.)
Chronic stress of any kind may affect the entire body: the brain, heart, lungs, blood vessels, muscles and digestive system. Dietary effects: Some people react to stress by eating more. These people end up being overweight. Others cannot eat when they are stressed. Obviously these people may be undernourished and underweight, and stress will have negative effects on their growth. So yes, severe stress could have an effect on pubertal growth.
Depression: Chronic stress can disrupt the normal levels of chemicals in the brain such as serotonin. This chemical is necessary for the feeling of well-being. Stress reduces the quality of life by reducing feelings of pleasure and accomplishment. Almost everyone (90%) will experience stressful events or situations that overwhelm them at some point. How long the stress lasts, the intensity of the stress, the genetic make-up of the individual and the personality of the individual will all be factors in the response to stress.
Let us now get to the important part of the discussion. WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT!!!!
There is no one method that works to reduce stress for everyone. What worked for John may or may not work for you. Stress can have positive as well as negative effects. It can stimulate interest and it can motivate.
Here are some key steps for Stress Reduction:
# Healthy Living: Eating well: Plenty of whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Avoid excessive alcohol, caffeine, sugar and smoking.
# Exercise: This is an extremely important part of stress management. A varied routine is optimal. It not only distracts you from the stress but it improves your overall health. Choose yoga, walking, aerobics, swimming, martial arts or any activity that is exciting, challenging and stimulating. Start slow and build up. Do not expect your feelings to change overnight.
Behavioral- Mental:
Identify the source(s) of your stress and also identify the sources of pleasure in your life. What can you do to maximize the positive and reduce your exposure to stress? Is there someone you can talk to? A friend, a teacher, clergy or professional? Talk this out with someone who can help and not make the situation worse.
The paraphrased quotation:" Grant me the courage to change the things I can change, and the calmness to accept the things I cannot change. Also, Grant me the wisdom to know the Difference." This is a good approach to relieving stress.
Networking:
Find people whom you like and share similar interests. Join a club, a team or just find some friends with a positive outlook on life.
Relaxation Techniques:
Meditation, deep breathing techniques, yoga, biofeedback or massage therapy all may be useful.
Stress will affect you as it has an affect on everyone. BUT, you have more control than you realize on how it affects you. Do not be too proud or scared to ask for help when you need it. Not everyone can help, but if you want the help you will find someone who can. No. Stress does not affect your growth. |
