6 Wellness-Boosting Habits for Children
By Kim Thomas, US Health Corps
Per the United Nations, in May 2020, 1.5 billion youth were affected by the new virtual education reforms enacted in 191 countries. Fast forward to today and children across the country are mostly attending in person, but that could change based on fluctuations with the delta variant. To ensure you always feel empowered during the pandemic, check out these tips from My Gut Instinct.
1. Start Your Day With an Energizing Ritual
A morning ritual will energize you for the day’s activities. A ritual could be to turn on your favorite song and dance as you shower or to dedicate fifteen minutes of your morning to meditation. Giving yourself morning affirmations is a powerful ritual that can improve your self-esteem. Make it habitual to do something that makes you feel inspired to start your day.
2. Wear Clothes That Make You Feel Good
Youth can be critical of their bodies, so wearing clothes that make them feel good can encourage body positivity, giving them a confidence boost. If your school requires you to wear a uniform, accessorize it with a belt, shoes, and a book bag that expresses your personality. If you are not motivated to choose a good outfit in the morning, set out your clothes the night before instead. Try to get dressed even if you are not physically present in the classroom to feel empowered.
3. Make Your Home a Place to De-stress
If you choose to stay home and take online classes during the pandemic, you may find that family conflicts can become a distraction. To relieve tension from family stress, bring uplifting vibes into your home by opening a window, decluttering, and cleaning. The tension between family members has been shown to increase the risk of anxiety and depression in youth. Creating a space that relieves tension promotes positivity and helps you refocus.
4. Exercise
Exercise has been proven to decrease anxiety, depression, and stress, as AboutKidsHealth explains. It has also been linked to improved focus on schoolwork for young people. Though it can seem your schedule does not permit exercise, a relaxing walk takes about 15 minutes and can revitalize you for the rest of your day. Making time for exercise in the morning can help with scheduling conflicts.
5. Practice Mindfulness
If you need a moment of self-reflection to relieve stress during the day, try taking a few minutes for mindfulness activities. Positive Psychology notes you can do this by journaling every day for 15 minutes before bed. Similarly, you can practice gratitude throughout your day by remembering the things that you are thankful for. If you have a hard time doing this on your own, try finding adult-led youth groups dedicated to empowering adolescents.
6. Eat Foods With Good Nutritional Value
Few people enjoy eating vegetables, but they are packed with vitamins that energize you and give you the nutrition you need to feel good. Eating a cup of vegetables a day can make a significant difference in your appearance and mood. Try eating a cup of carrots or broccoli a day topped with your favorite cheeses or dips to make them taste better. Fruits also provide your body with plenty of antioxidants and vitamins.
Regardless of the current climate, small habits can help you feel your overall best. Wearing your favorite styles will give you the confidence to reenter the world. Decluttering your home will give you the place you need to distress and focus. Exercising, practicing mindfulness, and eating nutritious foods will help you feel your best both physically and emotionally. Developing skills that help you control your feelings toward the changing world is a positive reinforcement to your overall mood and self-esteem.
Kim Thomas’ mission is aligned with that of US Health Corps, and that is to triumph over chronic disease. Her mission is to advocate for those suffering from chronic disease and she enjoys writing about maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
