(BPT) - With school in full swing, the fun and wholesome summer activities everyone enjoyed feel like they happened a long time ago.
Gone are the fresh summer produce, evening bike rides and long lazy days in the sun. Taking their place is less sunshine and more rushing around: commute, dinner, homework, activities, rinse, repeat. Take heart. You can boost that sense of wellness and well-being in your family by following a few of these simple tips.
Bring mindfulness to the moment
When schedules fill up, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why it’s important to slow down, take a breath and use the time to appreciate small moments. When you’re with your family, whether making dinner, eating a meal or driving somewhere in the car, actively encourage engagement. Get the conversation rolling by sharing something from your day. On the flip side of that, it’s also important to take time for yourself. Take 20 minutes for a stroll through the park during your lunch break, feel free to pause and sit in silence in the car before it’s time to pick up the kids or do some simple yoga stretching to wind down before you sleep.
Integrate a new daily habit
During a hectic school week, good nutrition can fall to the wayside. That’s why it’s more important than ever to make sure everyone’s getting what they need to stay healthy. An easy and effective habit to work into the day is taking a premium multivitamin like the Swisse Ultivite from Australia’s No. 1 vitamin and supplement brand, Swisse Wellness. With a daily dose formulated for each family member (men, women and children) plus a healthy diet, you can feel good knowing that everyone is getting the vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need to stay healthy and keep going.
Meal prep like you mean itMeal prep is the key to getting healthy meals on the table (while making this daily chore a breeze). On Sunday evening or even a quiet weeknight, set aside an hour or two preparing proteins, cooking grains and peeling and slicing veggies. Then, on busy weeknights, you can have a healthy home-cooked meal cooking on the stove or in the oven in a matter of minutes. Never underestimate the importance of a whole foods diet for all ages, especially when school’s in full swing.
Build outside time into your routine
Even with the early sunset times and cooler temperatures, it’s still important to make time to get outside. Fresh air, making connections with nature and getting exercise provide many benefits to both body and mind. Leave for the bus a few minutes early, and take after-dinner walks as a family. “The shorter days and busier schedules in fall can elevate stress levels, which can cause a decline in mood and increase the risk of sleep disturbances,” explains Swisse Wellness consultant Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE who adds, “research has shown that by just taking a short, brisk walk you can improve mood, boost energy, and lower stress levels.” To make sure you stay on track, schedule your evening walk just like you would any other activity. Add it to your calendar and make the time to make your wellness a priority. Start by aiming to walk for just five or ten minutes and build onto it over time.
