FIRST WORD
A Better Way to Relieve Stress
PJ Feinstein
Managing Editor
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info@washingtonfamily.com How do you relax after a stressful day?
My go-to escape is television. Every evening, I
look forward to curling up on the couch after the
kids are asleep and binge-watching whatever new
comedy or drama has been making headlines.

Recently, I’ve been catching up on “Schitt’s
Creek,” amusing myself with the goings-on of
the Rose family three or four episodes at a time.

Watching TV is a distraction from the demands
of everyday life. But is zoning out actually
helping to relieve any of my stress? The truth is,
as much as I enjoy a good binge-watching session,
I usually feel guilty afterward that I didn’t use
that time in a more productive way.

So what would be an evening activity that’s both
relaxing and productive? Knitting! As Michelle
Ardillo reports in her story this month, studies
have shown that knitting can actually reduce
one’s heart rate and blood pressure. Better yet, she
explains, it can offer the opportunity for otherwise
busy individuals to give back to the community.

Expanding on this theme of generosity, we
partnered with the Random Acts of Kindness
Foundation to share 12 books that teach kids to be
kind. We also have easy instructions for making
bath bombs that look like conversation hearts (so
cute!) and a roundup of Valentine’s Day events
for kids, families and parents.

Also in this issue, Jessica Claire Haney writes
about the benefits of craniosacral therapy for
children with special needs, and Erica Rimlinger
explores sports camp options for young athletes
of all abilities. Plus, we share some news from
around the community that we think you ought
to know about.

Speaking of community, we’ll be at the
Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda,
Maryland, from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday,
February 9th for our annual summer camp fair.

Register online now for the chance to win a $125
scholarship to the camp of your choice! If you’d
like to connect, you can find me there or anytime
on Twitter or Instagram at @pjfeinstein. ■
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