Wellness, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is 'the quality or state of being in good health', as well as a goal to work towards. Working towards health goals, both mental and physical, can be difficult when you have a busy family life. However, there are a few things you can do to promote wellness for every member of your family.
Make Healthy Eating Fun
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is a huge part of wellness, but it is important for children that it feels fun and tasty, rather than like a restrictive diet. Nutrition Australia explains what children should be eating, with 70% of their food intake being vegetables, legumes, grains and fruits, with lower proportions of dairy, lean meat and fats. However, try to make eating fun — give your children input on what you eat for dinner or buy, offer fun snacks like carrot sticks and apple slices, let your children know it is okay to have a treat and model healthy eating for them. Search recipe sites or Pinterest for fun, healthy recipes for kids, and also for family dinners.
Promote Exercise
Exercise, as well as food, should also be presented as something fun. However, this doesn't just apply to your children — Lifehacker explains that you should be doing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, per week. There are some forms of exercise you can do as a family — for example, a trip to a swimming pool or a family walk. There are some things you do separately — maybe you enjoy going to the gym or want to take a yoga class to relax and wind down. Your kids might like to run around at a playground or go trampolining. Whatever your family is into, you are sure to be able to find a type of exercise for every family member that doesn't feel like work.
Prioritise Mental Health
It is easy to ignore mental wellness, as it can be harder to notice than physical health. Start with your own mental wellness, which can be hard to focus on during busy family life. Arrange to spend some time alone relaxing, such as at a yoga class, in a coffee shop or at a spa. Try meditation and mindfulness techniques, try a new hobby or talk your problems through with a professional. You should also promote mental health awareness with your children, letting them know it is okay to talk about problems, to feel sad or to need alone time. There are many resources online about relaxing, dealing with emotions productively and helping children maintain good mental wellness.
Finding time for wellness during a busy life can be difficult, but if you take time to focus on your family's diet, make lots of opportunities for fun exercise and take your mental wellness into account, you can make your family as healthy and happy as possible.
