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Teach Healthy Habits to the Whole Family for Improved Well-Being and Happiness
Having healthy habits is something that all members of the family can benefit from, and encouraging this type of healthy living since an early age can help set children up for a healthy adulthood. Parents and guardians may have the responsibility for children, but everyone in the family should be a role model and join in when promoting healthy habits.
Encourage Healthy Foods
Although it’s likely that the majority of meals and snacks in the family will be supplied by parents, it’s important to get children involved in the process. Ask children to help in the kitchen by getting them to choose their own healthy snacks and meals, and teach them about how nutrition works so that they are engaged in the process. This can also help to ensure that children are eating the right types of food to provide them with all the vitamins and minerals they need.
Set Exercise Guidelines
Exercise is important for everyone, and setting regular exercise guidelines can help to encourage healthy habits. While some age groups will have physical education (PE) classes at school, make sure that everyone else in the family is getting sufficient exercise by taking them to the local park or pool, or joining them in the bike lane. Exercise can also be incorporated into evening routines — for example, families can play a game of tag in the garden or go for a brisk walk around the block.
Promote a Balanced Diet
It’s a good idea to shop for food together as a family when possible, to ensure that everyone is aware of the choices available and can get involved in discussions about these. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to make sure that the whole family is aware of a balanced diet and the importance of consuming food from all the major food groups. Making sure the whole family has an understanding of the importance of a balanced diet will help to ensure that they develop a taste for a healthy diet throughout their lives.
Promote Stress Reduction
Stress can have a negative impact on a person’s health, and reducing stress levels is important when it comes to promoting healthy habits. Taking a family walk or playing a game together can help to blow off some steam and relax. Setting aside regular time each evening to talk and discuss problems can also help reduce stress levels and strengthen the family bond.
Reaping the benefits of healthy habits starts with promoting them in the home, and with the right guidance, parents and guardians can ensure that the family has a habitual lifestyle that favors better health, both physically and emotionally. Families may choose to participate in certain habits or activities differently, but encouraging healthy habits is the key to long-term success in the household. A better lifestyle can lead to a higher level of wellness, increased energy and mental clarity, and improved confidence—all of which will result to a happier and healthier home.
