Yet another transition: Back to school full-time
Part 1: How to identify anxiety and stress

Back in August, we wrote about how to talk to your kids about the back-to-school plan. It’s been 7 months since we made those suggestions and over a year since students left the classrooms, sports fields, and band practice halls for the first time. It’s no surprise that there is a lot going on for kids and teens right now.  Many communities are allowing children to return to classrooms and activities full time; yet another transition students must face.

In this two part series, we include ways to identify back-to-school anxiety and stress in kids in addition to providing reasons why they might be stressed. Next week, be sure to come back and read about practical tips for helping kids cope.

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The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

Exercise is defined as any body movement that makes your muscles work and requires your body to use calories. There are a variety of different types of physical exercise including running, walking, swimming, lifting weights, dancing and many others. You are likely aware of the physical health benefits that come with regular exercise such as weight control, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of diabetes, and increased energy. But did you also know that there are important mental health benefits from exercise? Regardless of age or fitness level, research shows that making time for exercise provides some serious mental health benefits.

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