Being proactive about building strong mental health in children doesn’t have to be difficult, OR take up all your time. These are my tips and tricks to make it easy.
Our mind, like our bodies, relies on many of the same things to remain healthy. Exercise and food have a huge impact on our health - both physical and mental. We often focus on these areas for physical fitness, but why not mental fitness?
Why is being mentally fit so important? Ups and downs come to everyone. The truth is, the more tools you have at your disposal, and the more “fit” your mind is, the easier it will be for you to deal with pressure. We all know that kids deal with a LOT of pressure! Everyone does.
Physical Exercise
It’s no secret that exercise improves our mental state. Aside from all the physical benefits, movement produces endorphins which are a huge part of mood regulation.
- #1 For the Kid with a Competitive Streak: These guys can be easy to motivate since they're naturally active. Basically, they like anything competitive. If your child likes a challenge, then give them one! Are they already in sports? Work to create a place where they can perform and compete.
- #2 For the YouTube Junkie: Have they tried Pokemon Go? It was a huge fad a few years ago. You use your phone to “find” and collect Pokémon by walking around the actual world. It gets you outside and moving around AND it's a video game.
- #3 For the Curious kid: Try a Nature Scavenger Hunt at a new park or trail. Do you know my local St. Catharines has over 108 different parks? Find a list of those parks here. What's your favourite park in your city? Are there some you haven't explored?
Food.
Eating the right food has a great relation to our mental state. I know that whenever I eat junk food, I'm in for an unpleasant aftermath. It sits in my gut like a rock and saps my motivation. Have you ever noticed that? Of course it's going to affect our children as well.
*Disclaimer* There are some days when getting food fast and easy is way more important for mental health than doing a Pinterest recipe while your kids destroy your house. (I have been there, my friend.)
But, for the days when I can plan and have the time, my favourite healthy food for my kids is avocado! When it comes to young children, avocados are a naturally soft, healthy fat source with a pleasant flavour that doesn’t come on too strong. Young kids will eat it straight, but if you are looking to jazz it up, here are some tips:
