The holiday hustle is real. Parents are planning, shopping and packing all their favorite traditions into just a few weeks. While many thrive on the holiday rush, being busy often means putting things like physical health and mental well-being on the backburner. With a long holiday break ahead, one of the biggest struggles many parents face is how to keep kids off the screens and out of the treats. But we’ve compiled a few simple tips to help you prioritize your family’s health and keep your own mental well-being in check this holiday season.
Tip # 1 – Stay Active
Fitness should always be a priority in a family’s daily schedule, even during the holiday season. The American Heart Association recommends that healthy children stay active throughout the day to maintain a healthy weight and keep their hearts, brains and bodies healthy. Although the days are shorter and your schedule may be booked, try to incorporate activity into your family’s everyday routine. For example, pick the farthest parking spot at the mall so you can get more steps in and, instead of driving around to see holiday lights, take a family walk around your neighborhood to enjoy the decorations and fresh air. As for the kids, set specific times throughout the day that are designated outdoor times. You can also set timers on screens to avoid a full day of endless browsing and watching.
Tip # 2 – Eat Healthy
The holidays are a time when there are lots of treats and rich, decadent foods. Although it might be hard to turn down dessert, remember that just because there are more sweets, comfort foods and festive holiday drinks, don’t forget to incorporate fruits and vegetables into your meals. They are low calorie and great sources of vitamins and minerals that can help keep your immune system strong during the winter season. Also, keep an eye on portion size. It’s OK to enjoy comfort food and sweets but, be mindful of how much you are consuming so you don’t overindulge.
Tip # 3 Prioritize your Mental Well-Being
With kids home from school and stores crowded with Christmas shoppers stress levels may start to rise, and your hours of sleep may start to drop. Make sure that you get a full night's rest to maintain your heart health. The National Sleep Foundation recommends at least 7-9 hours of sleep for adults. Good sleep benefits your whole body including your heart and brain with effects such as improved mood, memory and reasoning.
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. The Association’s school-based program, Kids Heart Challenge™, offers a variety of physical activities to get elementary students’ hearts pumping such as dance, basketball or jumping rope paired with digital missions to learn life-saving skills like Hands-Only CPR™ and how to spot a stroke. The program, a successful part of thousands of schools from coast-to-coast, targets improving whole-body wellness which is vital to drive immediate and long-term health in children. To learn more about the Kids Heart Challenge or to get your student’s school involved visit, www.heart.org/getstarted or contact me at amy.shirley@heart.org.
