Balancing act: Reader messages give comfort on work quirks

"I've noticed that the kids at my school who exercise regularly are much happier, less stressed, and able to do better in classes, unlike kids who don't exercise, who are more stressed, and lazier in classes," the teenager wrote. "People who work harder in gym class are happier and healthier than those who slack.

"I'm on summer break right now, but I recently joined my local pool's swim team. It's not competitive, but it is a good workout. I've noticed that I don't get stressed as often as I did when I wasn't exercising, and when I do get stressed, I'm able to handle it better, and I'm happier. That being said, I do believe that exercise is a positive thing for a workplace to have."

Thanks for sending me your comments and for setting a good example. Hopefully the positive habits you're developing now will serve you well throughout your life, both in school and on the job.

I'd be interested in any further comments readers may have on this subject or any others I've addressed recently. Please send me your ideas, and I may use them in a future column.

Meanwhile, I'll keep working out on my exercise bike every morning. I've got to make sure I'm ready when I get drafted into that pro dishwasher-loading league.

Email your comments to kratzbalancingact@gmail.com or post them online at deseretnews.com. Follow me on Twitter at gkratzbalancing or on Facebook on my journalist page.