Back to School Tips for a Healthier Family Unit

Back to school is in full swing! A few weeks in, take some time to reflect on how it is going - Are you settling into a new routine easily? Do things feel more chaotic than usual? Are you craving some changes to optimize how everyone feels as a family? Whether big changes need to be made, or small ones for everyone to feel like a healthier family unit - this happens with small steps, conscious effort and setting goals. Let’s look at how you can achieve a healthier family unit for this new school year. 

Food

The best way to achieve your healthier food goals is to make a plan. Find your families favourite go to meals and create a meal rolodex that you can rotate through to have a plan for the meals you will eat. You can add to this as new recipes come your way. 

Plan your meals for the upcoming week and shop accordingly - Make the menu visible so you can remember to take out what is needed the night before, or note if you need to pick anything fresh up.

Bulk prep food - Cook ahead of time, thinking about your lunches for the week, and if you make pasta sauces, soups etc. double the batch and freeze for another day!

Sleep

Everyone having a regular bedtime and wakeup time makes a big difference. Following a routine in the evening can set the tone for the night and allow for wind down time and the right amount of needed sleep. 

I know everyone says this, but it’s for a reason - limit screen time before bed! Maybe go for a walk, stretch or read a book to calm your mind. 

Screentime

This is for adults and kids - declare a certain time of the day for no screen time - for example, during meals and within an hour of bedtime. Keep a charge station that is tucked away and that you can close so you can have them out of sight, out of mind. 

Connection 

If you are looking to connect more as a family, you need to actively make it happen. Schedule it in and stick to it! Maybe Saturdays are family potluck night - allowing the family to cook and enjoy the food together. 

Declare game nights, movie nights, baking nights etc. Plan fun things as a family, and maybe even let everyone pick one designated day a month where they pick what to do.

Talk to each other, it is that simple. In you declared no screen time, use this time to talk about your day, what is coming up for the week, good stories and challenges you are facing. 

Movement

One of the best things you can do for your body is move it. Why not dedicate yourselves to a daily walk with your friends(s) or (family) - this offers connection, movement and fresh air. 

Have dance parties! Make a family playlist and make a point of playing a song each day and getting your groove on :)

Coming up with a version of these suggestions for a healthier family unit that is unique to you and your family can be a game changer. It brings so many elements for our health and well-being together. I really do encourage you to think about what you can do, and take the steps in the right direction to optimize your families overall heath.  

You will thank yourself, especially as you come out of the back to school zone and into the fall and everything that comes with it. It is never too late to start to be a healthier family unit!