Keep Calm and Carry These Strategies into the School Year

From kindergarten to college, going back to school can be stressful for both students and parents. Worries about new teachers, classes, and homework are common, but there are simple things you can do to help navigate the transition.

Establish a routine. Start by getting back on a regular sleep schedule before the first day of school. The American Academy of Pediatrics says half of children ages 6 to 17 don't get enough sleep, which can impact engagement, curiosity, and emotions. Doctors say elementary schoolers require up to 12 hours of sleep, while older students may need slightly less. Scheduling a regular time each day for homework helps develop study habits and fosters consistency. It's okay to be flexible, though, adjusting as needed for extracurriculars and social activities.

Designate a study space. Whether in a bedroom or a quiet corner of the house, a desk stocked with supplies and free of distractions is a great spot to tackle homework and projects. An occasional change of scenery is conducive to productivity, so it's okay to hit the books at the library or a coffee shop, but keep interruptions to a minimum.

Communicate, communicate, communicate. Seek opportunities to talk about back-to-school feelings and fears. Practice active listening, give kids your full attention, and ask open-ended questions. Share your own school experiences and struggles as well. For high school and college students, it's important for them to establish open communication with teachers and professors. Encourage them to engage in open dialogue with classmates, whether to form study groups or to seek clarification on something they missed or didn't understand. 

From Ancient Practice to Modern Movement

In honor of National Yoga Month, strike a pose and discover a few fascinating facts about the history of yoga. Today, the practice is often associated with fitness studios and stretchy pants, but it began thousands of years ago as a spiritual and philosophical discipline centered on the connection between mind, body, and breath.

• Yoga is believed to have originated more than 5,000 years ago in ancient India.
• The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit word yuj, meaning "to unite."
• Early on, the practice focused more on meditation and breathwork than physical poses.
• It became more widely adopted in Western culture during the early 1900s.
• Swami Vivekananda introduced yoga to the United States in 1893 at the World Conference on Religions in Chicago.
• Today's yoga blends mindfulness, movement, flexibility, and stress relief.

The Benefits of Cooking at Home

Cooking just a few balanced meals at home each week can help you save money while also stirring up some significant health benefits.

Improved Cardiovascular Health
Healthy home-cooked meals may help lower blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, all of which are key contributors to cardiovascular health.

Emotional Benefits
Preparing meals at home can improve your mood by giving you an opportunity to slow down and connect with family members while you cook.

Energy Boost
Nutritious foods prepared at home can support steady energy levels throughout the day and help you sleep better at night.

Longevity
Studies have shown that older adults who frequently cook at home have a significantly lower 10-year mortality rate, even after adjusting for certain lifestyle and health factors.

Cognitive Benefits
Meals made with whole, nutrient-rich ingredients may support brain function and could reduce the risk of age-related mental decline.

Weight Loss
Eating a balanced diet high in protein, fruits, and vegetables can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. 

Pizza Facts Served Hot!

Craving a slice of trivia? Take a bite out of these fun pizza facts.

• The most popular pizza toppings in the U.S. are pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and bacon.
• The official term for the outer rim of a pizza crust is the cornicione, or the "end crust."
• More than 73,000 pizzerias are operating in America. The oldest continually operating shop opened in New Jersey in 1912.
• In the U.S., approximately three billion pizzas are consumed every year.
• The world's most expensive pizza can be ordered in Salerno, Italy. It costs $12,000, includes toppings like caviar and lobster, and can be prepared by a chef sent to your home.
• In 2001, a pizza was delivered to the International Space Station.

Personal Greek Pizza

Ingredients
2 small, pre-baked pizza crusts
¼ cup marinara or pizza sauce
½ cup crumbled Feta cheese
½ cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
¼ cup red onion, julienned
¼ cup black olives, halved
¼ cup green olives, sliced
¼ cup sundried tomatoes
Tzatziki sauce for dipping

Directions
Preheat oven to 425^° F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Place pizza crusts on pan and top with equal amounts of sauce, cheese and vegetables. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until toppings are hot and crusts are crispy. Serve with tzatziki sauce.

Serves 2