As an adult, I have learned about daily habits that not only make my body healthier but my days easier. It's hard to start new habits and keep them going, though. I wish I had started doing them when I was a kid.... hey... WAIT! Maybe I should start now with my kids to help them start daily habits that will last a lifetime! Here are some ideas to start incorporating into the day at your house:
Before getting out of bed, stretch and take a deep breath. Your alarm just went off with a scream (literally, if it's human) and you want to hit snooze. Instead, take five seconds to s-t-r-e-t-c-h your body long and another five seconds to take a deep breath in and out. This is a simple way to get the blood flowing and your brain ready to start the day.
Before consuming anything else, drink a glass of water. A hydrated body is a happy body. You have just been asleep for (hopefully) eights hours (longer for the kids). That is a long time not to consume any water. Your body will thank you for starting the day by rehydrating. Drink a glass right after you brush your teeth, while the coffee is brewing, or right before breakfast.
Hug. Make sure you get and give at least one hug every day. Hugs are proven to be some of the best medicine. The more the better.
Focus before a big task. Tackling an inbox full of emails, making dinner during the witching hour, and sitting down for homework are some of the hardest times of the day. Before starting any stressful task, close your eyes and take a deep, calming breath. It clears your mind so you focus on the task at hand and get it done and over with.
Go to bed at the same time every night. Babies love schedules and parents can be militant about not messing them up. But what about older kids? And what about grown-ups? Do you know that our bodies love schedules, too? Going to bed at roughly the same time every night means going to sleep easier, waking up more refreshed, and having overall better health. It's that easy.
Start by adding one new task a week and get your kids involved, too. Before you know it, these healthy habits will be part of your regular day!
