Stress reactions are gifts. Our bodies are sending us a message that we need to do something differently. Children who have developed skills to handle stress are able to find ways to make themselves feel better without hurting themselves or others. Stress management skills can be taught at an early age. Like any other skill, they take time and practice.
Stress is related to conflict.
There is a well-established body of skills called conflict resolution skills that are highly useful in reducing stress. Acknowledging the causes of stress and expressing feelings about them are probably the most powerful tools we have to reduce stress. Of course, not all stress is bad. When stress is manageable, it can propel us to action, give us motivation and keep us rolling. Darkness or gloominess can be depressing.