Being young our main motivation to the gym was to bulk up and turn into a mini Arnold Schwarzenegger but as we mature and turn into adulthood our view towards total lifestyle changes. When we are with family, we tend to prioritize overall health more then maintaining a certain image. As our priorities change, so does our view towards food and fitness .
How do you create the same mindset for your family? How do you influence their health in ways that will really last? Many have had these questions, and some go so far as to splurge on expensive vitamins for their children, or to sign their family up for fitness classes. Instead of going to this extreme however, there are other ways to subtly encourage a healthy lifestyle for your family.
1. Create A Spacious Environment
When you’ve been living a life as an individual person; we are surrounded with unprecedented freedom and we are only responsible for ourselves . We don’t have a family or tiny children to tend too , hence living in an apartment the size of a shoe box is quite good enough.
When you start building a family however, then you often need to increase your space. Having enough space is something which I personally find essential to maintaining a healthy household. Creating extra space as well as opening up new rooms for entertainment and time off can encourage your family’s psychological health.
For example, by adding an orangery or conservatory you’ll be able to create your own room for relaxation. With enough natural light and a hobby to indulge in, your stress would seem manageable and you would be in a better mood. Such a peaceful space could also be combined with a room for yoga or stretching, boosting emotional as well as physical well-being.
In a long run, having enough space in your home invites peace and harmony, and helps it to become a sanctuary of trust.
2. Emphasize Balanced Eating
Food is an essential part of our lives, and it is important to understand what nutrients we need to keep our mind and body in balance. Therefore, food is something crucial for any family to keep a base of harmony and peace.
As a parent or an adult family member, it’s important for you to emphasize healthy eating. However, the common mistake people often make is assuming healthy foods can only consist of an array of bland, bitter, green foods.
Food, however, has a vast array of flavors and health properties. If you take some time to invest in it you may discover a variety of delicious and healthy foods you can make in the kitchen as a family activity. You could also have fun playing with global cuisines to learn about different cultures and find foods that your family will love. The kitchen is a great avenue for you and your family to enjoy healthy food as well as spend some quality time together. After all, isn’t food a way to bring everyone together?
3. Ensure the Home Gets Lots of Sunlight
Any home is improved by having lots of natural sunlight coming in through windows or skylights. While artificial light can provide the shade and the amount of light that’s needed, natural light nourishes your skin as well as your immune system.
In several scientific studies, it’s been concluded children in homes that’s more exposed to natural light have shown to have a higher metabolism and are much more active compared to children who are sheltered from natural light.
Some ways you could incorporate natural light in your home is by adding more windows or converting some of your roof into glass panels. If you find yourself limited in space, this can be an option to create an open home surrounded by natural light.
4. Make Sports A Family Occasion
Finally, the key to any family is staying fit. If you look into many reality series from around the world, you often notice most families don’t prioritize on keeping fit and maintaining at least a minimum amount of exercise. Often times if you notice, these families are rather unhappy and miserable.
A healthy body leads to a healthier mind, hence is the reason why food and exercise go hand in hand in maintaining a happy family. For a busy family, everyday workout sessions may be difficult hence take some time during the weekend for a long swim or a beautiful hike.
Head towards the countryside for some beautiful exploring and biking. These kinds of energizing activities can help create a closer and loving family, and are often more fun and easier for children to accept than long structured workouts. Why not stay healthy while building memories together?
In Conclusion
A family is as strong as its core values. If you’re able to instill positive core values, encourage a healthy lifestyle, and keep a higher morale in your household then you will be well on your way to a dream come true- a happy family.