Life With Kids? Let Them Keep You Healthy!
By Genevieve Cunningham
When kids enter the picture, they bring a whole new meaning to life. They bring equal parts fear and joy, and as they get older, the challenges evolve faster than parents are able to keep up. One of the hardest parts of having children is learning how to fit them into your life. How to do the things you've always done -- like staying healthy and fit -- but with kids in tow. Can it even be done? It can! And one of the best ways to do it is by letting your kids show you the way. If you're trying to stay healthy with your whole family, take a look at how your kids can totally help you do it.
Go on Their Adventures
Chances are really good that you don't want to play pretend. You don't really want to climb on the playground or twirl around with a hula hoop either. But if you give in -- even on a rare occasion -- it can boost your health in more ways than one. First, it burns calories! Kids are active and fast and constantly moving. If you play along sometimes, you'll also burn calories. But playing with your kids will also help form bonds that boost mental health. Pick 30 minutes once per week to really play with your kids and the benefits will absolutely come.
Try New Things
If you give kids a chance, they'll try all kinds of new things. Offer them a few classes at the gym and then go along. Offer to go on hikes or bike rides. Try a new recipe and let them cook too. Kids love to learn and do new things. If you allow this kind of exploration and go along for the ride, you may be able to boost your own health and establish good habits in your kids all at the same time.
Laugh As Much As You Can
If you've ever been around kids much, you know that they're seriously hilarious. Sometimes they're funny on purpose with silly jokes or games. And other times they're funny on accident with the general misadventures of being kids. Either way, learn to roll with the punches and laugh as much as you can. Not only will this burn calories, but it will keep you feeling happy and engaged in life. Having kids is a mess, so embrace the chaos and laugh your way through it for better health for everyone.
Sometimes it can feel impossible to stay healthy when you have kids. Sometimes it feels like you'll never make it to the gym or eat a healthy meal ever again. But it won't always feel this way. And if you learn to involve your kids, everyone can be healthy! Use these tips to let your kids lead the way to better health, and your whole family will benefit in the long run.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Happy Valley, Ore.