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![]() Article guest written by Paige Johnson Winter may have been tough on you and your family, but as the weather improves, so can your family’s wellness. All you really need is a plan to address everyone’s exercise, diet, and mental health. Image Source: Pixabay Family Time Indoors & Outdoors After being cooped up all winter long, your family is probably dying to get outside and do … well, anything! But spring weather can be very unpredictable. Some days, it’s nothing but blue skies and warm breezes. Other days are full of wind, rain, and yuck. That’s why it pays to plan some family activities for both outside and inside. For when the spring weather is cooperating, a great way to get physically well is to plan a healthy picnic. Let your family pick out some healthy foods, then take a long hike before spreading out the blanket and food. And if the weather is bad that morning, you still have a nice lunch. For younger kids, bubbles are great inside or outside, especially if you can get everyone to chase them down. The same is true for play dough (or even mud if everyone is wearing something that can get very dirty). And sidewalk chalk can be used outside on the actual sidewalk or inside on a chalkboard or basement wall. They Are What They Eat You know the importance of eating well, but spring is a great time to start everyone off on a new, healthier way of eating. You should start seeing cheaper fruits and vegetables now that the season is closer (and more variety too), so explore the different healthy options now available at the grocery store. Let everyone have a hand in picking options for snacks and meals (making sure there are no wild suggestions, of course). And on days when it’s nice out, you can even break out the grill and cook up some low-fat proteins like fish or chicken. Eating well can provide several benefits to your family. It controls weight better to help fight childhood obesity. Proper nutrition improves everyone’s immune system, helping them fight the seasonal flu and colds. Avoiding foods high in carbs, starches, and sugars can even improve your family’s mood by avoiding the blood sugar swings. Beating The Winter Blues It may not be winter anymore, but those winter blues can linger. Whether it’s the lack of sunlight or spending too much time inside, your family’s mood can be low — and everyone’s minds are part of their health. That’s why you shouldn’t neglect getting happy this spring. Exercising and eating well together will both help a lot. Your bodies need exercise to release good chemicals, and feeling physically fit really is its own reward. But you can work directly on happiness by making sure you do things fun for everyone. Break out some board or card games and bring them to the park. Make sure you give hugs to everyone. It doesn’t matter how old you are, as physical contact is vital to being well. Just be sure to stick to your routines, as changing too many things can be stressful. Make This Spring Fun & ActiveNow that winter is finally gone for another year, you have a great opportunity. Plants and animals are all waking up and getting active this spring, so your family should do the same so everyone is healthy. |
Michelle Stewart-Sandusky
I write articles based on my experience as a therapist or a training or conference attendee. Many of these articles are written by others who are experts in their field and I share their information as resources for others. Categories
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