Childhood Obesity &
Emotional Stress Management
By Barbara H. Marynowski
Imagine this:
You are in the fourth grade and it's time to pick teams for a game of dodge ball during gym class. The teacher selects two captains to begin picking teammates. As the teams grow, each side deliberates together about who should be next to join their side. There is whispering and giggling and as the choices get fewer, more focus is spent on who the groups DON'T want as opposed to who they DO want. A couple of kids point at you and shake their heads 'no'. You are not yet chosen - you are waiting while this is being debated. In front of your classmates you are left standing, aware and feeling the fact that no one wants you on their team. Eventually there is no one left to choose from so you sulk over to the team who had the last pick only to be greeted by sighs of disappointment and a crude "fat kid" comment or two.
Being an obese child is a debilitating condition, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. Imagine being that kid in school - maybe you WERE that kid in school or know a child currently experiencing that kind of situation. The emotional stress that heavy children endure due to their physical condition and other kid’s judgments can be extremely taxing. As adults, I think we often forget that children are just as susceptible to emotional stress as we are. They are in no way exempt from depressive feelings or thoughts, especially when living in challenging social situations on a regular basis.
Childhood obesity is at an alarming rate in our country. Approximately one in every three children is now considered obese according to the Children's International Obesity Foundation. Suicide rates continue to increase in younger victims.
There are many factors to consider as to why childhood obesity is becoming an epidemic - poor diet, lack of exercise, genetics, medications, food additives, stress, family - the list of possible arguments can go on and on. Truthfully, I feel that every child's individual reasons are going to be unique and no one reason is going to be the culprit universally. That being said, however, I would like to focus on the emotional stress that often accompanies being overweight and subsequently, a proven natural source for stress management - moving meditation and non-competitive martial arts.
Determining whether your child is overweight because of emotional stress (overeating is often associated with stress by many medical professionals) or whether your child is emotionally stressed because he or she is overweight isn't the issue to focus on. Recognizing that emotional stress is a common factor of either situation that can be addressed and relieved means that you can take an active step toward helping your child.
If you or a child you know are struggling with issues of emotional stress and obesity I would like to invite you to consider moving meditation and non-competitive martial arts as a source of relief. When I began working on my own stress relief, I found a system that combines physical motions with mental and emotional exercises all in one activity was what finally gave me the results I was looking for and made me wish I had available as a kid myself.
Moving meditation programs are ideal for children struggling with stress like this because it allows them to form a positive relationship with physical activity, as opposed to the negative feelings they have associated with them because of not being picked to play, being made fun of, not being very good at or able to do the activities, etc.
A moving meditation program, like the one I am certified in (Internal Energy Plus™), is designed to be simple enough for all ages and ability levels, meaning no experience is necessary. This also means there is no competition or subjection of your child being compared to anyone else. The focus becomes on helping him or her find what they do like about physical activity and identifying their strengths. This process allows the child to enjoy exercise, which will help them begin to burn the weight off, and also build a more positive relationship with themselves, thus aiding in improving their emotional and mental states. Traditional sports focus on winning or losing, but moving meditation and non-competitive martial arts put the focus on the individual, which then more naturally allows for emotional stress relief and helps improve self-confidence and esteem.
When seeking a moving meditation or non-competitive martial arts program I recommend making sure it has at least the following:
- Programs are simple enough for beginners.
- Instructors are properly certified and experienced.
- Instructors understand your child’s needs and wellness goals.
- No contests or competitions.
- You and your child are comfortable and like the teachers and environment.
- Remember - not all programs are alike!
Another option, if you prefer, is picking up a DVD and handbook set to get started training at home.
As adults, we are blessed with the opportunity to help guide the children in our lives. If you are a teacher or group leader reading this article, why not try integrating moving meditation into your classroom? As a parent this can easily turn into a family activity you do together. No child should have to struggle with obesity or the emotional consequences and thankfully there are natural alternatives to help stop this debilitating epidemic.
Best wishes,
Barbara H. Marynowski
Author's Bio
Barbara H. Marynowski is a Senior Consultant for Internal Energy Plus and black belt instructor through Kang-Nei-Chin International trained at Kung Fu Michigan in Ann Arbor by Master Instructor Ryan R. Wilson and New York Martial Arts Hombu in Huntington by Headmaster Instructor and Internal Energy Plus™ Founder Joseph Droual. Barbara is fully certified and recognized as an expert in stress management, self-care and personal empowerment. Internal Energy Plus™ provides practical, customized moving meditation, body conditioning and stress management programs for the whole family to help everyone live healthier, happier lives free from stress, shame, guilt or fear.
Contact them on their Yahoo! Group at: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/INTERNAL_ENERGY_PLUS/
Or Email Barb at RoyalDragonIEP@aol.com
|
