Building a family is hard work and sometimes there doesn’t seem like there are enough hours in the day to keep everyone, including yourself, happy. But don’t despair, it is possible to keep fit and raise a happy, healthy family. You shouldn’t always put your wants to the sideline.
Sadly, too often we see parents consistently putting their children’s “wants” above their own “needs” which can lead to overwhelming stress and lack of self-development for the parents and overly fussy children.
Taking time for yourself is important. Whether you use that time to relax, write a blog (that’s why I started mine), partake in a hobby or work-out. Alternatively, get the family involved in a weekly fitness activity. It’s a good way to include quality family time while promoting healthy living in your children.
Make a Game of Chores
Tasks around the home can be a great way to fit in an extra bit of exercise and can be easy to make a game out of with the kids. Set it up as a “cleaning race” with everyone taking their own room and working to clean the fastest. Turn the music on and make vacuuming into a dance party, who can pull off the best moves? Racing with Lamb is one of the main ways I can get him to do any tidying or cleaning. He loves winning.
If you want to keep little one’s minds active, turn laundry into a learning experience. Have them name colours and who the owner of the piece of clothing is. Can they count the number of socks? How many buttons does this top have? These are great learning opportunities which can also make a boring job more interesting for you both.
Walk It Off
Walking is easy, it’s also free and the best bit – you have complete control. You could walk down to the road and back, around the block or even turn it into an adventure with your children. I love that Lambs school is only a short walk away. It means I know I will go on a little walk each day.
Pre or post dinner walks are a great way to add a more scheduled quality family time into your day while keeping active.
If you’ve got kids that are still in the buggy, consider taking up jogging. There are plenty of jogging-designed buggies available that are lightweight with good control. You’ll be able to keep active and your little one will have plenty to look at around them to keep their mind entertained.
Eat Well
A healthy diet certainly helps you have a healthy mind. When I eat well my energy levels increase, I feel happier and I can get through the day with a positive mind. I also take vitamins. I was recently tested for vitamin deficiency and found to be deficient in Vitamin D3. Although I have hyperthyroidism, which causes tiredness (not a day goes by where I don’t yawn every hour), being deficient in Vitamin D3 will also effect my energy levels so it’s imperative I keep up with taking vitamins.
Talk It Out
Take an evening or part of an evening a week where there are no distracting screens and talk to each other. Read a book between the family or explore something new. We are huge fans of board-games. With the increased screen time in schools and at work, it’s great for your eyes to get a longer chance to relax.
Join in With the Kids
How many times have you watched your kids play in the park? Whether it’s sports, up on the playground equipment or simply letting loose. Supervision doesn’t mean you have to be bored. Get up and get involved. Not only will your little ones be thrilled for your attention and company, you can let your inner child have some fun. Not to mention burn off some calories and keep your mind active at the same time.
Having it all isn’t easy, it’s a challenge, but it’s not impossible. There are plenty of individuals who’ve managed it, including Philippa Thackeray and Sam Thackeray who was recently interviewed as part of the “Incredible Two” series by Kossie, an online London Lifestyle Magazine.
Of course, we are all individuals so things that come easily to some may be a struggle to others. It’s all about adapting the lifestyle you currently want around the lifestyle you already lead. Take charge and encourage your family to live a healthier life for both body and mind. You’ll all feel better for it.
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