I came across an
article about research suggesting maternal
stress affects motor skills in expectant women. Some points made in the
article:
- The researchers tracked 2,900 expectant women, who reported stressful events at 18 and 34 weeks.
- After the children were born, the researchers tested the motor development of the children at ages 10, 14, and 17.
- The children of mothers who reported more than 3 stressful events scored lower on motor skills tests.
- The researchers also found that stressful events later in pregnancy affected motor development more.
- Poor motor skills can affect other areas of children's development and later lives.
- Financial stress was a very common stressor.
Some tidbits I've
come across over the years:
- My wife and I took a course at our church called Financial Peace University that emphasized staying out of debt. I'm sure there are other such programs offered in communities. This happened to be the one we took.
- The point was that debt, specifically credit card debt, was a major source of stress.
- We've been successful at managing our credit card debt, and other people in that course have gone to a cash only lifestyle to stay out of debt.
- That usually involves follow the adage: Use it up or wear it out; make it do or do without.
- I've seen where researchers say that prayer supports, among other benefits, better health and stress relief. The spiritual is oft neglected in our hurry-up world. There are a number of resources for prayer that can get you stared.
It goes without
saying exercise
is an important antidote to the negative effects of stress and anxiety.
I would like to suggest that Nordic walking can be a core
activity for dealing with stress. Here are some thoughts on the
relationship between Nordic walking and stress:
- Expectant women can enjoy the benefits of full-body exercise because Nordic walking is low impact.
- Nordic walking facilitates reflective mindsets because you're outdoors and in natural surroundings. Pray on your own? The outdoors, especially trails, provides a great environment for that.
- You compete against yourself, not others, when you're Nordic walking. That means you can focus on improving against your own efforts and tailoring your efforts to your needs and goals. That in itself can be a stress reducer.
