Living a healthy lifestyle isn’t always easy, especially when you’re dealing with keeping an entire family happy. Instead of getting overwhelmed by the idea, think about ways for how to make it happen. As the parents, it’s up to you to set the tone and encourage healthy habits.
Think about how you grew up and what you would like to change or remain the same for your kids. It’s easy to get busy and forget how important it is to put behaviors into practice that will have everyone feeling good mentally, physically and spiritually. See ways to encourage a healthy lifestyle in your home.
Set Goals
One way to ensure people in your household change their ways is to set goals. Goal setting is important for tracking progress and seeing results. It also makes you feel good about yourself when you can cross each one off of the list. This is what will help them live a healthier lifestyle. It’s not helpful to just say you’re going to eat healthier, but you have to turn your words into actions by wanting to achieve goals. Have everyone come up with individual and family goals they want to work on for the year. Schedule meetings where you check in with each other and see how it’s going. It’s a great way to cheer each other on and help one another if anyone’s falling behind.
Eat Healthy
Eating healthy is a fantastic way to encourage a healthy lifestyle in your home. The better you eat, the better you’ll feel. Cook healthy meals and inspire others to make dinner with you and see how it all comes together. Another proven way to eat better is to buy organic baby formula for your baby. It has all the key vitamins and nutrients that your baby will need. There are lots of options, so do your own research and see what’s right for you. It’s also a good idea to monitor junk food in the home. Kids are silly and will always be up for an unhealthy snack. Keep it out of reach and let them know that you’ll give them any snacks when they’re allowed to have them. By eating healthy yourself, you’re demonstrating to your family that it’s important. Teach them along the way and explain why certain foods are better than others and the benefits of eating well.
Exercise
Show your kids that moving your body is healthy and necessary for feeling good inside and out. Take them to yoga class or the gym with you and exercise together to make it more fun. Another option is to invest in a home gym and workout in the comfort of your own house whenever you desire. Exercise daily and teach your kids to do the same. Limit the time they’re glued to the television or their electronics. Go for bike rides together and enjoy each other’s company. Show them that moving and getting your heart rate up will keep you in shape. Also, draw the connection between working out and experiencing a better mood and mindset. Be the motivator and one to set the example for the whole family. Have fun doing it and put a smile on your face to show your family what they’re missing out on if they don’t exercise.
Relax
Working hard is important, but so is relaxing. It’s vital to have down time in your home and for everyone to know different ways to unwind. Encourage reading, listening to music and writing as ways to relax. Remember that it doesn’t always have to be a zoo in your house. Relax as a family too, and play board games or watch a movie together. Explain that rest helps you recharge and get back your energy for when you need it next. Set an example by not being frantic all of the time. Kids need to learn how to relax and take breaks. Once again, be upfront about the benefits of having peace and quiet time. It’s physically and mentally necessary for living a healthy lifestyle.
Drink Water
Hydrate and drink lots of water. It’s good for your skin and gets rid of all the toxins in your body. It also promotes weight loss and boosts your immune system. Teach this to your kids and give them a water bottle, so they’re sure to drink it throughout the day. Suggest water and teas for when everyone’s thirsty instead of sugary juices and soda. Exercising will naturally promote more water drinking. It’ll soon become a habit and not so hard to remember to do as time passes.
Use A Bedtime Schedule
Getting the proper amount of sleep each night is critical for every member of the family. Missing out on sleep will leave people crabby and not feeling well. Make sure the rooms in the home are designed for proper sleep. This includes checking the temperature, shades and smells. It’s a good idea to use a bedtime schedule so each person knows when it’s time for them to go to sleep. This helps regulate the sleep cycle and get your body accustomed to going to sleep and waking up at a consistent time each day. One area you don’t want to mess with is sleep. Be strict about when you put your kids down to bed and when you go to bed yourself. The more sleep everyone gets, the easier it’ll be to function and get along as a family.
Play Outside
Make time for playing outside as often as possible. Turn off the television and electronics and get out in the backyard for some fun. Play games with your kids or watch them as they run around and laugh. Put a sprinkler or pool out back and let them splash around when it’s hot outside. It’s good to breathe in the fresh air and take a break from the screens. Let your kids play with the neighbor kids as you read a book on the patio. Enjoy your backyard in the evening hours too and cook on the grill and talk about your day with your spouse. It’s a good break from being cooped up all day at work or in the house.
Clean & Organize
It’s a good idea to clean and organize your belongings often. Don’t let mounds of clothes or toys pile up. It’ll only start stressing you out, and you’ll get frustrated for being behind on your work. Take time during the week or on weekends to sort clothes and start a pile of donations for what you want to get rid of. Head to the store and retrieve organizing tools that’ll help you make sure every item has a place in your home. Cleaning the home often will eliminate germs and keep everyone from getting sick. Please fresh plants throughout the home and open the windows to let in the outside air. This also includes maintaining the yard and ensuring it’s trimmed and presentable. You’ll be glad when it’s all done, and you get to enjoy a spotless home. It’s all about setting a good example for your kids. Ask them to help if have a lot to do and want to teach them responsibility.
Be Kind
Living a healthy lifestyle also means you’re practicing your manners and being kind to others. Think positive and practice gratitude to get you through the ups and downs. Display the type of behavior in your home that you want your kids to pick up on. Show them through example and how you treat others. Schedule a family outing to go and volunteer at a local organization. Let your kids see with their own two eyes how other people live and let them experience gratitude for what they do have in life. Helping those in need is a great way to spend the day as a family. There are so many lessons to be picked up during a single volunteer session. Encourage the same gentle behavior in your home and among family members. This way the kids will learn how to treat people outside the home. Let them explain to you what they experienced and the takeaways they grasped from volunteering.
Make time for You
No matter if you’re the parent or the child, it’s imperative you make time for yourself. Participate in activities and events you love, and that make you feel alive. Have your own hobbies and showcase your special talents to the world. Remember to schedule alone time to reflect and give thanks. It’s fun to be around people, but everyone deserves a break once in a while. Give yourself the luxury to experience down time when you need it.
Conclusion
It’s not always easy to live by the book. There are steps you have to take and actions that must be put into place to make it happen. It’s up to you to put measures in place, and how useful they become. These are ways to encourage a healthy lifestyle in your home.