These days, more people, especially millennials, are becoming increasingly health-conscious. For example, a recent study found that 53% of millennials value health and wellness as the second most important thing in life. The same research shows that family is what they value the most, which is why many millennials actively seek ways to encourage better health for the whole family.
The good news is that you can also start encouraging the whole family to live a healthier lifestyle. Here are four steps you can begin taking to turn your plans into a reality.
1. Be Proactive With Health Checks
Regular check-ups and screenings are the first two steps toward healthier living. Being consistent and setting a good example in staying proactive with your health will make it easier for your family members to follow suit.
You can start telling and showing your family the importance of getting regular check-ups, telling your healthcare provider about new symptoms, and even scheduling family doctor appointments together. It would be better to find a family clinic that caters to your family’s healthcare needs. Remember that there are doctors who specialize in providing healthcare to young patients, adults, seniors, and those with certain health conditions.
Let’s say you have a younger family member aged between. This means they are better off getting regular health checks from board-certified pediatricians in a reliable clinic for pediatric patients. This way, you can be sure that the right healthcare professionals trained in caring for pediatrics will be in charge of your little one’s health. It helps if you can find a clinic that offers complete in-office labs and same-day appointments so you won’t have to venture far just to get the tests and check-ups done.
Don’t forget to assist your family members during their health checks. By being proactive with your own health and being there during their health appointments, you are promoting a culture of health and wellness within the family.
2. Take Tech Breaks
It has become increasingly difficult to disconnect from technology and gadgets, even for just a few minutes. Reports show that the average person spends about 10 hours a day looking at screens, whether it’s for work, school, or leisure.
Too much tech usage can lead to various health problems, such as headaches, neck and back pain, eye strain, and even sleep problems. This can also stop you from creating meaningful bonds with your loved ones. This is why it’s crucial to encourage the whole family to take tech breaks every now and then, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
You can start by setting an example yourself and disconnecting from gadgets for a few minutes every hour or two. Designate screen-free zones in your home, such as the living room or dining area. You can also develop fun activities that the whole family can do together that don’t involve screens. This can include taking a trip to the park, playing board games, or tending to plants in your garden.
3. Establish a Healthy Family Routine
Establishing a healthy family routine motivates the whole family to act towards better health. This means having set times for preparing and eating meals, physical activity, bedtimes, and home cleaning. Having a routine will help everyone in the family know what to expect and when which can lead to less stress and more stability.
For instance, you can set specific mealtimes for the whole family and ensure everyone sits down to eat together. Make it a point to find time to enjoy at least one meal together as a family. The same goes for setting bedtimes for everyone in the house to ensure everyone gets enough sleep each night.
Don’t forget about regular exercise. There are many activities family members can do together to stay fit. You can even incorporate exercise while doing household chores to make cleaning the house more fun. Give all members age-appropriate chores and, as much as possible, clean together at the same time. This way, you can finish cleaning faster and have more time to do other things together as a family.
4. Be Kind and Promote Self-Care
Aside from physical health, it also makes sense to pay attention to the family’s emotional wellness. One way to do this is by being kind and promoting self-care within the family. Teach all members of the family how to be compassionate to one another.
You can promote kindness inside the house by being more patient with each other, listening to one another’s concerns, and offering help whenever needed. Create an open line of communication line, so everyone feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. If there are misunderstandings, try to resolve them as soon as possible.
Encouraging everyone to care for themselves physically and mentally is also essential. This means making time for self-care activities they enjoy doing. Doing so will radiate a sense of kindness towards one’s oneself. As a result, this will make them feel good and give them a more positive outlook on life.
There are many different ways to encourage better health for the whole family. By being proactive with health checks, taking tech breaks, exercising as a family, establishing a healthy routine, and promoting self-care, you can help create a healthy environment for your loved ones. Remember, it all starts with you. So take the first step today in prioritizing your family’s health.
