Help Your Family Achieve Overall Wellness

As a parent, it is important to encourage the whole family to strive for better overall health and wellness. As you begin to consider changes to your lifestyle that will support this effort, it’s important to develop healthy and realistic habits that can benefit everyone. From the youngest family member to the oldest, here are some tips to help your family achieve overall wellness:

Exercise Regularly

Did you know that just under 50 percent of American adults complete the recommended aerobic physical activity? Physical activity is important for everyone, no matter their age. Encouraging your family to exercise regularly can have numerous benefits, including:

• Improved cardiovascular health
• Stronger bones
• Better mental health

Exercise also can be a great way to bond as a family. Whether it's taking a walk around the neighborhood after dinner or playing a game of catch in the backyard, finding ways to be active together can be fun and rewarding!

Spend Time Outdoors

In addition to exercise, spending time outdoors also can be beneficial for overall wellness. Sunlight provides much-needed vitamin D that gives your immune system a natural boost. Spending time outdoors also can:

• Improve sleeping habits
• Reduce symptoms of depression
• Promote motivation to exercise
• Restore mental health
• Improve your breathing
• Encourage your family to take a hike, go camping or simply spend time in the backyard or at a local park.

Lessen Screen and Social Media Time

Technology has become a ubiquitous part of our lives, but spending too much time in front of screens can have negative effects on our health. Encourage your family to take breaks from screens throughout the day, and establish guidelines around social media use as this also can cause strain on mental health. For example, you might consider implementing a no-phones-at-the-dinner-table rule or setting aside specific times for checking social media.

Choose Healthy Snacks and Meals

What we eat can significantly impact our overall health and wellness as well as our mood and energy levels throughout the day. Encourage your family to skip processed foods, and choose healthy snacks and meals rich in nutrients and low in sugar. This can be a great opportunity to involve kids in meal planning and preparation, helping them learn about healthy eating habits that they can carry with them throughout their lives.

Brush up on your food pyramid knowledge before you go grocery shopping again!

Visit the Doctor Regularly

Another way to promote wellness is by prioritizing regular check-ups with your doctors. This includes both physical check-ups as well as appointments with mental health professionals. Regular visits to the doctor can help catch potential health issues early on, and mental health check-ups can help ensure that everyone in the family is getting the support they need to maintain good emotional and mental health.

Have you had your yearly physical yet? If not, request an appointment!

Don’t Neglect Mental Health

While physical health is important, it also is essential to prioritize mental health and emotional well-being. According to the World Health Organization, one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. In addition to regular check-ups with mental health professionals, there are other steps families can take to support good mental health.

For example, encouraging open communication and creating a supportive environment where family members feel comfortable talking about their emotions can be helpful. Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques as a family also can be beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety.

Achieve Wellness with Southwest General Health Center

Prioritizing overall wellness as a family can have numerous benefits for everyone involved. By encouraging healthy habits, families can work together to support each other's physical and mental health. Remember, small changes can make a big difference when it comes to achieving overall wellness.

Southwest General Medical Group, Inc. (SGMG) includes primary care and mental health providers who are committed to providing patients with high-quality medical care. For more information and to reach out to our team and schedule an appointment, visit our website at swmedgroup.com.