Thursday, May 22, 2014

Stress and Food






Stress and Food

        Sometimes when people feel empty inside, they fill up on food to get rid of the empty feelings.  In such cases, they eat sugar and starchy food when they are under stress.  Do you find yourself turning to food instead of turning to people?  When do you think someone would feel empty? 

            People eat for a lot of different reasons.  First of all, our body needs food to survive.  We need food for nourishment and growth.  Second, we use food to celebrate.  What would a birthday part be like without food?  Pretty boring!  Think about the way we celebrate Thanksgiving or other holidays around the dinner table.  Food is everywhere! 

        Third, we use food to occupy time.  We gather together to watch a football game and have finger foods right next to us.  We sit down to read a good book or watch a TV show and we have a plate of cookies, bowl of chips and a drink.  Fourth, food is comforting.  It reinforces habits and traditions.  It makes us feel good.  We like to have certain foods at certain times of the year.  Can you think of a favorite time of the year that you associate with food? 

            Lastly, food can be used to help us feel good and get rid of uncomfortable feelings.  Instead of thinking about something painful, we can turn to food.  In a sense, it can numb our feelings.

        So how is food related to stress?  Eating affects our brain chemistry.  Being on a diet or under stress can cause a reaction in some brain chemicals.  Later we are going to learn about five different chemicals in our brain and what they do!  Stay tuned!
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Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Poetry Helps Fight Stress




                                      

Poetry

            Writing or reading poetry is a favorite activity for many students.  Writing down our thoughts and feelings help us cope with the daily pressures and conflicts in life.  Sometimes writing poetry or keeping a journal helps us to think through our thoughts.  Here is a favorite poem. 




Don’t Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low, and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.

Life is strange with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out,
The sliver lining of the cloud of doubt,
And you can never tell how close you are,
It may seem near when it seems so far.
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit,
It’s when things seem worse that you must not quit.

-Author Unknown

  

     My Aunt Mary turned 97 years old last month.  She is a retire high school English teacher.  She always speaks her mind and listens wells, and at the same time shares a wealth of information.  She plays cards with friends - probably enjoying a game right now!  Stress management involves building a support system and connecting with friends old and new.  My auntie has has to build several new support systems over the years.
     Many children love poetry.  They will read it or write it.  Encourage them to keep a journal.  Have them share it with you if they will.  Most will share! 
    This post is dedicated to all the Aunt Marys out there and especially to mine!





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Saturday, May 17, 2014

Games and Play is Now Available On-Line as Digital Download!

 Video digital download is here!  Now you can purchase Games and Play on-line.

$9.99

Introductory Offer!  
Price is good through the end of May!