For many people, there’s no greater love than the love of family. One of the ways you show love for your family is by prioritizing their needs. One of the most important needs is optimal health. This is why implementing healthy habits is such a wise pursuit for your family. To get started on this goal, consider the following pointers.
1. Prioritize Nutrition and Hydration
Nutrition and hydration are so important for optimal health. If you put sand in your gas tank, your car won’t run efficiently. The same rule applies to your body. You can’t constantly pour junk inside and expect a well-functioning body and mind. Look for ways to add more fruits and vegetables to everyone’s plates. Whether it’s through soups, salads, or smoothies, make sure more nutrients are at the table for each meal. Eat your water by consuming water-rich foods like watermelon and kiwis. Give each family member a tumbler with a reusable straw. Create a competition to see who can drink their recommended amount of water by the end of the day. The one person who wins at the end of the week can get a prize.
2. Develop a Professional Team
If you have young children, find a family pediatrician they like. When you’re able to find a great family doctor that your children like, this makes doctor’s visits less frightening for them. Whether you need braces for one of your children or annual cleanings for the entire family, look for a dentist near me to discover the best family dentist who’s able to prioritize your family’s oral hygiene. While an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, always include professional treatments in your family’s wellness arsenal to ensure you always have access to the help you all need.
3. Find Ways to Facilitate Daily Movement
In addition to helping with weight maintenance, there are countless benefits to exercise. Many people lead sedentary lifestyles as they’re able to maneuver through tablet games and various devices, but can’t jog one block without becoming extremely winded. Find ways to infuse daily movement into the family lifestyle. Wake everyone up early to go for a cold, brisk walk outside. Sign the children up for sports leagues and extra-curricular activities like Tae Kwon Doe or ballet. Join a gym, or create a home gym. Wear fitness trackers to see who can get at least 10,000 steps each day. These seemingly small practices make a major impact in the long run.
4. Make It Fun
When it pertains to your health, moderation truly is important. If your children hate brussels sprouts, find a different vegetable that they can enjoy. Make the process of being healthy an enjoyable one. Add diversity to activities you do as a family. Instead of letting them sit in front of the television, take your children to the local pool. If it’s cold outside, take them to an indoor pool for the afternoon. Get creative in finding ways to help them cultivate a love for physical exercise and nutrition. When it’s time to go to sleep, make sure each person has their bedtime routine to set the tone for a good night’s rest. Whether you turn on a sound machine or serve warm chamomile tea and a cookie, find sweet ways to make bedtime a fun ritual.
5. Lead by Example
If your children hear you tell them to stop eating candy, it’s important to make sure you stop eating candy as well. If they’re watching you eat a Snickers bar every day, this presents a strong sense of cognitive dissonance. If you have a sweet tooth, consider preparing a healthy dessert you and your family can enjoy together. This process keeps you accountable to your family, and it helps your family take your instructions seriously. As a leader in your household, it’s your job to practice what you preach.
Without your health, you don’t have much. It doesn’t matter how much money you have if your health is in drastic decline. By cultivating a tradition of health within your household, you’ll also teach everyone how to care for their own needs. This fosters harmonious, symbiotic relationships among everyone involved. By prioritizing these habits within your family’s guide to optimal health, know that you’re doing your part in preserving the family’s ability to enjoy one another for as long as possible.
