3. Get Some Exercise
"Exercise actually causes a shift in brain chemistry," says Debi Yohn, a licensed clinical social worker in Florida. A good workout releases feel-good chemicals, including endorphins, and helps override stress chemicals, such as cortisol. Which explains why, when the White family of Scarsdale, New York, is feeling "complainy," they break out of it with an impromptu after-dinner dance party. "After a few upbeat songs, we're all usually giggling again," says mom Sarah. To banish the pressures of the day, the Gillespies of Goleta, California, indulge in some outside-the-box exercise like clearing out the dining room and "ice-skating" on the floor with paper towels. "It's got to be novel and high-energy," advises mom Wendy, "and it's most effective when done together."
4. Slow Down
As a school counselor and co-author of "Yoga Calm for Children: Educating Heart, Mind, and Body," Lynea Gillen knows that one of the most effective ways to deal with kids under stress is to slow them down. "I give them a minute to breathe deeply, and it makes a huge difference," she says. Deep breathing can stimulate the body's parasympathetic, or calming, system, she explains. Lisa Romano and her two kids, Cesar, age 5, and Marissa, 8, try to schedule a 20-minute family yoga session at least once a week. With the aid of a yoga manual, they take turns playing instructor, teaching one another simple stretches that help calm the mind -- and occasionally induce giggles.
5. Start a Soothing Ritual
Whitney Pruitt of Helena, Alabama, and her husband, Scott, came up with a small ritual that pays off big-time when it comes to easing family stress. "Whenever someone is feeling defeated by a challenging situation, another family member will ask, 'But what are the three good things?'" explains Whitney. It's not always easy to recognize what good might come from an unfortunate situation, she says, but "it teaches my kids to look at the bright side of life." In addition to the lessons they can offer, "rituals provide a sense of safety, predictability, and structure," says LeslieBeth Wish, a psychologist and social worker in Sarasota, Florida. That was an unexpected bonus when Jennifer Tankersley of Topsham, Maine, started serving her kids afternoon tea just to get them through the difficult hour right after school. "While the tea steeped, we found ourselves chatting and laughing together, and feeling relaxed and settled," says Jennifer. "And knowing that teatime is part of our day gives my kids a real sense of security."
