Healthy Back To School Habits Part 2

Welcome to Healthy Back to School Habits Part 2 with my friend, Loisann Fowler of Coach in Tandem! As the new school year approaches, we want to ensure our children are set up for success both in and out of the classroom. Today, Loisann and I will discuss three crucial areas: exercise and movement, managing stress, and relational downtime. Let’s explore some practical, easy-to-implement tips that will make a big difference in your child’s mental and emotional well-being.

Meeting our goals can be difficult when school picks back up. That’s why now is a perfect time to consider these five easy foundational non-negotiables that we can incorporate into our homes before school starts.

In part 2 of Healthy Back to School Habits, Loisann and I focus on exercise and movement, stress management, and relational downtime. Let’s start with exercise and movement.

Healthy Back to School Habits: Exercise and Movement

What do you mean when you say exercise and movement? It’s simple. It means making sure our children get up and move around. Today’s kids are sitting for far to long and need to get up and move for optimal health. Movement nourishes your body and gives your child energy. How do we know if our children are getting enough exercise?

• Movement improves academic performance. It might take a little time initially, but you will quickly see results when your children put down their devices, turn off the TV, and move their bodies.
• Mental and Emotional Clarity.
• Physical development. Children who move and exercise on a regular basis build strong bones, increase muscle strength, and improve their quality of sleep.

Studies show that children who exercise and move perform better, think clearer, and experience a general sense of well-being.

Stress Management

Stress is part of life. Helping children learn how to manage stress well will bring peace and calmness to your children’s lives.

• Establish a routine. A sense of security is provided when children have a daily routine. It also allows children to feel like they have some control over their lives.
• Make time for physical activity. Physical activity releases endorphins which are natural mood lifters. Aim for 30 minutes a day, and you will see great improvements in your children.
• Teach relaxation techniques. Children who learn how to relax will do better at managing stressful situations. One effective way is to teach children proper breathing techniques.

Simply practicing these three techniques will help our children stay calm under stressful situations.

Relational Downtime

Understanding why children need downtime built into their lives equips us with the knowledge we need to make this a priority.

• Strengthens family bonds. Spending quality time with family members fosters a sense of security and belonging.
• Enhances Emotional Intelligence. Relational downtime provides opportunities for children to express their feelings and understand the emotions of others.
• Promotes relaxation and reduces stress. Unstructured, relaxed time with loved ones helps children unwind and decompress.
• Encourages positive behavior. Positive interactions with family members serve as a model for appropriate behavior.
• Supports Cognitive Development. Engaging in meaningful conversations and activities with family members stimulates cognitive growth.

Spending quality time with family is important for kids. It helps them feel secure and connected, knowing they have a strong support system. When families spend time together, kids learn to express their feelings and understand others’ emotions, which boosts their social skills and empathy. This downtime also gives kids a chance to relax and unwind, reducing stress and anxiety. Positive interactions during these moments teach kids good behavior and values.

Healthy Back to School Habits Matter

The little habits you implement today will yield huge rewards over time. Your children rely on you to teach and train them in the way they should go. You create an environment where they can truly flourish by creating healthy back-to-school habits, providing exercise time, managing stress, and allowing time in their day to focus on relationship building.

We are so glad you’re committed to helping your children grow and thrive. I pray our Healthy Back to School Habits series blessed and encouraged you. Remember, every small step you take makes a big difference. You’ve got this!

About Loisann Fowler

Loisann Flower is a nationally board-certified functional medicine health coach. She helps people
from teens to 90-somethings uncover and achieve their highest wellness in body, mind,
and spirit. There is a gap between our level of health today and where we want to be.
Loisann’s coaching bridges that gap, discovering lasting practices for a strong and
energetic life.