There’s an old adage that says, “April showers bring May flowers,” suggesting that a little rain will bring the flowery hope of spring and summer. However, for many students, this time of year is flooded with math drills, review packets, spelling tests, and other practices designed to prepare them for the end-of-year testing. This pressure can feel like a storm, leading to the most stressful month on the school calendar.

In order to understand what students (and teachers) may be feeling this time of year, let’s take a look at the body’s nervous system and learn about different levels of stress.

The Nervous System

The nervous system is incredible! Two parts work together to navigate growth and survival: the parasympathetic and sympathetic. They link the brain to body systems and facilitate everything from digestion and respiration to memory and muscle movement.

During stress, three specific parts of the brain are engaged:

So how does this response affect some our kids when they take tests? Physically and mentally, the brain and body go on auto pilot to face any challenge. It looks like this:

1. 1. Our brain recognizes a stress or threat and engages the sympathetic nervous system.
   2. Our body reacts with the release of hormones that instruct our organs to act!
   3. Once the stress or threat is gone, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over for rest and healing.

The second level of stress is “Tolerable Stress.” This is also a time-limited stress response, but help is usually needed to resolve the stress. For instance, if a child is ill or injured and a trusted adult helps them find a resolution, this could be considered tolerable.

The third level of stress is called “Toxic Stress.” This stress is long-lasting and may happen because someone experiences “too much for too long,” “too much too fast,” or “too little for too long.” Examples of this can include neglect, natural disaster, extended illness, bullying, and other stressful situations.

Only the individual going through the stress can identify if that feels positive, tolerable, or toxic. What may be tolerable for one person may be toxic for another.

Don’t Forget the Teachers

Remember: students aren’t the only ones who face the stress of testing at the end of the year. For many school districts, the month of May is “Teacher Appreciation Month.” Reach out to your child’s teacher and say, “Thank you!” Let teachers know you are aware of their hard work and dedication.

The same stress-management strategies that work for kids can work for adults, too! Try these strategies with your children, your students or for yourself. Practicing these skills can help ease stressors and create more resilient minds and bodies.