Holistic health is about taking a balanced approach to the physical, mental, and emotional areas. Nowadays, this approach generates revenue of $37 billion annually. This is because the holistic approach to health recognizes that the different areas of life are interconnected. When one area is out of balance, it can impact the others.
When it comes to your child’s health, you want to do everything in your power to ensure they are as healthy as possible in all facets. Here are six tips for securing your child’s holistic health.
1. Get Them Moving
You don’t have to sign your kids up for 10 different sports to get them moving and active. Just make sure they are getting some form of exercise every day. This could be going for a walk around the block, playing tag in the backyard, or taking a dance class once a week.
Exercise is not only good for their bodies but also for their mental and emotional health. In fact, studies have consistently shown that it can help to improve mood, reduce stress, and boost self-esteem.
You can make your children look forward to exercising by making it fun. Get active with them and make it a family activity. This way, they’ll see that you value exercise, too, and it will become a regular part of their life.
2. Have Them Checked Regularly
It is crucial to have your children checked by a doctor regularly. This is so that they can be sure that the different areas of their health are in balance and that any condition is faced as soon as possible.
It is also essential to take them to the dentist regularly. Many parents don’t realize the importance of taking their children to see a pediatric dentist. But, oral health is essential to overall health and should not be neglected.
In addition, make sure that you keep up with their vaccinations. This will help to protect them from severe illnesses and diseases. You can avoid hospital and dental anxiety by getting them used to these appointments from an early age.
3. Limit Screen Time
It’s no secret that too much screen time can be harmful to children. Not only does it impact their vision and sleep patterns, but it can also lead to anxiety and depression. Try to limit your child’s screen time to 1-2 hours per day, and ensure they get enough face-to-face interaction with friends and family.
In addition, make sure that the content they are consuming is age-appropriate and educational. There are many great shows and websites that can help your children learn about the world around them.
Instead, you can use your kids’ time away from electronics to teach them valuable social skills. These skills will become increasingly important in their everyday lives as they grow older.
4. Encourage Creativity
Creativity has so many benefits for children, including reducing stress, encouraging self-expression, and improving problem-solving skills. There are endless ways to encourage creativity in children — from arts and crafts to cooking to playing outside. Let them explore their interests and find creative ways to express themselves.
For example, if your child is interested in painting, buy them a set of non-toxic paints and some canvases. If they love to cook, enroll them in a kids’ cooking class. The possibilities are endless! What matters is you show your support for their creativity and help them to explore it in a safe and healthy way.
Also, try to be creative yourself. This will show your kids that it’s important to you and that it can be fun. You can also show them examples of how creativity can be used in everyday life.
5. Teach Them Healthy Eating Habits
What we eat impacts our physical, mental, and emotional health. That’s why teaching children healthy eating habits from an early age is so important.
Encourage them to eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains while limiting their intake of sugary drinks, processed foods, and unhealthy fats. Help them develop a positive relationship with food so they can carry these healthy habits into adulthood.
You can make healthy eating fun for kids by involving them in meal planning and preparation. Let them help you cook and choose their favorite healthy foods to eat. You can also take them grocery shopping and teach them about choosing nutritious foods.
6. Promote Mindfulness
Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment and learning how to manage our thoughts and emotions effectively. It’s a skill that can be helpful for children of all ages, especially when dealing with stress or anxiety.
There are many ways to promote mindfulness in children — from yoga and meditation to deep breathing exercises and nature walks. Find what works best for your child and help them incorporate mindfulness into their daily routine.
You can also model mindfulness yourself. Be present when you’re talking to your child and really listen to what they have to say. Turn off your phone and give them your full attention. This will teach them the importance of being mindful and present at the moment.
Taking a holistic approach to your child’s health means taking care of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Following these tips can help your child develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
