Trying to stay healthy as a family with everything modern life demands can be challenging. But you can include healthy activities in your family’s day-to-day life. It means changing your family life, such as getting outside and drinking more water.

Exercise Together as a Family

One of the most powerful ways to get healthy together is by simply exercising. Exercise as a family is easier than ever, and you can use it to your advantage. For example, if you enjoy exercise more than others, you can use something as simple as a family walk in the park as a chest day warm up before hitting the gym. There are even fun family ways to exercise. For instance, PSVR2 and Nintendo Switch have exercise-oriented video games.

Stay Healthy as a Family with Outdoor Activities

Using video games to exercise can be expensive, and not all families enjoy them. But exercise is any physical movement that elevates your heart rate. Even if it is a little, this includes walking and other types of family activities, such as cycling. Even a 30-minute walk daily is enough to see improvements and results physically, mentally, and for your heart. Local parks are great spots for families because they are safe, and many have climbing frames for the kids.

Make Healthier Food Choices

Almost all of us make bad choices when it comes to food. Who doesn’t love some ice cream now and then or a great burger? There’s nothing wrong with enjoying food like this now and then. But the time comes to assess what you are eating and how often. Too Many calories and not enough movement leads to weight gain and other complications. Cutting down on junk food and soda will greatly impact your lifestyle and daily health.

Eat a Healthier Range of Foods

Maybe you eat pretty healthy already but tend to stick to the same meals. This means you won’t be getting all the nutrients you and your kids need. Children need a range of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals for healthy mind and body growth. Without such things as vitamin B, calcium, and potassium, children will find it hard to focus in school and could have physical development issues. Eating a range of colors of fresh fruits and vegetables is the easiest way to eat healthy.

Prioritize Quality Sleep

Sleep is often overlooked when it comes to health. But it is vital. Ever wonder why you always feel bad in the morning? You probably have a poor bed or sleeping environment. Don’t worry because you’re not alone, and fixing this is relatively simple. Try the following steps:

• Invest in the best quality beds and mattresses you are able to afford.
• Ensure the bedrooms are kept at a few degrees lower than your preferred temperature.
• Create a bedtime routine for younger children ASAP so they can get used to it.
• Stick to your own bedtime routine and get the sleep you need for the day ahead.
• Wind things down a few hours before your usual bedtime.
• Try not to use mobile devices or your laptop when you are resting in bed.
• Don’t eat or drink for at least two hours before bed, and avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Of course, buying quality mattresses and beds for the whole family will suck in terms of cost. But there isn’t really a price you can put on health. The benefits are immediate, and you and your family will feel more energetic, motivated, and focused with positive changes to sleeping.

Spend Time Together Eating

Most families today don’t spend much time eating together. This is a shame since dinner could be the only time you have to be around each other, given how busy modern life can be. Even cooking together as a family helps establish bonds and can teach children vital skills they need for life. Eating as a family also means you can stay aware of what is going on in your kids’ lives. Talking about school and what they plan to do at the weekend helps children feel supported.

Encourage Kids to Drink More Water

One of the most overlooked health issues today is hydration. Most of us, especially kids, don’t drink enough water throughout the day. Water is vital for keeping organs, including the brain, as healthy as possible. You may have heard that eight glasses per day is what you need, but this is actually different for everyone. Additionally, you can get more hydrated from healthy foods such as watermelon. Coffee, soda, and tea don’t really count towards your hydration goals.

Limit Screen Time to Stay Healthy as a Family

Screen time is an issue these days, with more and more children spending more time on a video game console, smartphone, or tablet. One survey found that the average 11 to 14-year-old spends around 9 hours per day at a screen. That’s almost all of their free time. Screen time has been linked to anxiety and depression, especially when kids watch platforms such as TikTok. You can also change the parental settings in your children’s personal devices.

Be an Example to Your Children

Children learn almost everything from those around them. Therefore, it helps if you are the example that you wish your children to see. Any bad habits you have will almost inevitably be passed on to your kids. Making changes yourself and becoming a better version of who you are shows your family and kids that they can do it, too. It doesn’t help to make rules you aren’t willing to follow either. When your kids look at you, make sure they look up to you as well.

Exercising together with games or when out and about at a park will help you stay healthy as a family while spending time with each other. Additional changes, such as ensuring you get better sleep, will also have a great impact on your life, alongside being a great role model for the kids.