Ways ease back-to-school strain, improve posture with simple stretches, reduced screen time
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- As students return to school, new routines often mean more time spent sitting at desks, carrying backpacks and using screens.
Incorporating movement throughout the day can help reduce tension and improve comfort, experts say.
This summer, Vannah Forrester has focused on getting her children outdoors as screen time remains a challenge.
"Some days are easy, some days are not," Forrester said.
National data shows that more than half of parents of children ages 12 and younger say their child uses tablets, smartphones or gaming devices. Among teenagers, that number increases, with up to 95% reporting access to a smartphone or social media.
Forrester said she notices the effects of screen use on her children's well-being.
"They are a little more wild, harder to sleep at night," Forrester said.
As the new school year begins, schools are also working to reduce screen time in classrooms.
At the same time, experts at Stretch Lab say simple movements can help students who spend long periods sitting or standing.
"It's just like constantly like hunched posture," area manager Chris Braden said. "Just making sure that you're able to open up a little bit more."
Experts say prolonged screen time has been linked to anxiety and depression in children and adolescents. They recommend regular movement breaks to help relieve physical tension and encourage healthy habits.
For Ashley Thompson and her three children, staying active is a regular part of everyday life. The family recently spent an early summer morning at Gipson Play Plaza.
"I think they thrive best when they're able to use all of the tools that they have available to them," Thompson said. "Being able to physically climb and roll, and we put our kids into athletics to just keep them active and healthy and using all those muscles and thinking about what they're going to do next."
Experts say even a few stretches throughout the day can help break up extended periods of sitting.
Movement can increase blood flow, ease tension and help students stay comfortable as they adjust to back-to-school routines.
