Five Tips for a Healthy Back to School Season with AOR

With the school year around the corner, so too are the stresses and routines that come along with early waking, extracurricular activities and the return of homework (and more housework for parents too!). After a summer of relaxation, we could use an extra boost to get our brains back into gear. The good news is that there’s simple behavioral and nutrient options that can help with optimizing focus, memory and stress resilience. Try these suggestions to get you and your kids to start the school year off on the right foot: 

Limit Screen Time: 

There has been ample new research in this area and as much as tablets, smartphones and laptops have propelled society and enhanced the classroom, too much screen time can have a negative impact on health. 

• Studies have found a correlation between screen time over 2 hours/week and increased body mass index in preschoolers
• Screen time in the evening can lessen sleep quality in both children and adults. The blue light emitted from screens has a negative effect on melatonin production

Set a Sleep Routine:  

Everyone knows how important sleep is. It can sometimes be difficult for student to transition from the sleep habits of summer to the early mornings of the school year. 

• Having a routine involving a set bedtime for both children and adults will improve quality and quantity of sleep
• The bedroom is for sleep. Avoid watching television and reading in bed, as this can make it more difficult to fall asleep as well as effect quality of sleep.
• Remember school aged children need 9-12 hours of sleep per night, teens require 8-10 hours and adults require 7 or more hours

Drink Green Tea: 

Ever wondered why coffee gives you a jolt of energy, while tea doesn’t do quite the same thing despite it also containing caffeine. The answer is that tea contains a relaxing amino acid called L-theanine that calms the brain and promotes focused brain waves.

• Research shows L-theanine helps support alpha-wave brain activity, which is associated with the relaxed and peaceful alertness that is experienced during meditation. This occurs without feeling drowsy or tired. 
• Drink green tea regularly or consider an L-theanine supplement like AOR’s Zen Theanine if you are feeling anxious or want help to maintain focus during schoolwork that is stressful. 

Consider Bacopa:

Bacopa monnieri is a traditional Ayurvedic plant that has been used for centuries to support the function of the brain. It has protective effects on the brain and nervous system and has been found in clinical studies to boost mental function. 

• In clinical trials, Bacopa boosted cognitive function in adults
• It was found to help with verbal learning, delayed word recall, memory acquisition and anxiety reduction. It has been described as a calming cognitive enhancer. 

Ensure That You’re Getting Enough Vitamin D:

For those who live in northern climates, Vitamin D levels can dip in the winter months when sun exposure lessens. 

• Studies show that children who supplement with vitamin D through the winter have less frequent upper respiratory tract infections
• For adults, taking vitamin D was found to reduce the risk of upper respiratory tract infections by 12% and for those who had very low levels of vitamin D, it reduced the odds of an infection by 42%

Always consult your health care provider to make sure a supplement is safe for you and there no interactions with your medications.

Reviews/Testimonials 

Zen Theanine 

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“It takes me out of the fight or flight response” – Agnes

-OR-

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“Quite effective to help improve focus.” A. Miller

Vitamin D3 Liquid Adult + Child on graphic

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“…the best liquid vitamin D3 I have found. Plus it’s vegan friendly.” – Pilar C. 

-OR-

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“Been using it for years. Just love it.” – Anne L. 

Bacopa Enlighten

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“Excellent product for cognitive function.” - Marie-Andrée T.