10 Simple Steps To A Healthier, Happier Family

Do you want to make sure your family is as healthy and happy as possible? Seems like a silly question, right?   Yet so many families aren't as happy and fulfilled as they could be for a plethora of reasons.  Each and every family is different, but that doesn’t mean we don’t all have things in common when it comes to what makes us all happy and healthy.

We put together these 10 simple steps that you can take to help make your family happier and healthier.

10 Simple Steps To A Healthier, Happier Family

​1. Start Prioritizing Quality Time

Make sure you’re actually prioritizing family time into your schedule. Write it in your agenda, put it in your organizer, or ask Siri or Alexa to remind you--whatever it takes to get it on your calendar. If you leave quality family time to happenstance, there's a serious chance you'll miss out. 
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2. Get Active Together

One great way to bond with the fam is to get active together. Making sure your kids get enough exercise and enjoy moving their bodies while they’re young will set them up for good habits as they get older. Go on walks and hikes together, play games outside, and encourage your kids to pick up a sport or hobby that they can do after school or on weekends. ​  Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and even joining the local YMCA or YWCA are all fun ways to get active with the kiddos.
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Badminton / Volleyball Combo Set With Net, amazon.com

3. Hold Family Meetings

Holding regular family meetings helps to ensure that everybody is happy and on the same page.  If there are issues, they can be dealt with quickly, smoothly and fairly.  The object is to discuss everything and anything family-related, from school work to chores to planning meals and family vacations.  Getting the kids involved in decisions that include them will make them feel as if their voices are heard.  Family meetings are times for discussions not arguments, and communication is key. 
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4. Use Positive Language

Whether you’re inside the home or outside of it, use positive language. If you find yourself peppering your conversations with negativity, your kids will pick up on it and develop these same sorts of viewpoints and habits themselves. You really want to encourage your children, and one of the best ways to do that is through positivity.
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5. Keep A Tidy Home

Keeping your home clean is essential for a healthier family.  Keeping your family safe from  allergies and toxins in the home is paramount. Make sure you have a regular cleaning schedule that involves the entire family, and use products that are non-toxic and environmentally safe.  For example, Cleanhappens.com sells hardworking, non toxic cleaning supplies that are perfect for families who are concerned with being more eco-friendly.

6. Incorporate Healthy Decor And Other Accessories Into Your Home

There are lots of healthy accessories that you can add to your home decor to not only make it look more attractive, but can help contribute to good health, too. Here's a few decor ideas that have real health benefits:
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• House plants, to help purify the air.
• Himalayan salt lamps, to help reduce allergies and promote healthy sleep.

• Essential oil diffusers, to help kill bacteria and fungus.
• Crystals, such as selenite, to help inspire light and vibrancy. 

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Danau Satu Nebulizing Diffuser, utamaspice.com

7. Plan Healthy Meals In Advance

Don’t leave family meals to chance! Planning your family's meals in advance will make food shopping simpler and easier on your budget, and you’ll ensure that your meal prep is nutritionally sound, too. Be mindful of portion sizes and always keep healthy, filling snacks on hand as well.
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8. Go On Family Adventures

A family adventure doesn't necessarily mean a pricey vacation.  A simple hike or walk on the beach is a great way to get together and get moving.  You can even make it educational by turning your time outside into a scavenger hunt!  Do the same with car rides to nowhere by playing license plate bingo or I spy.  The goal of your "adventures" is to make memories with the fam.  As Winnie The Pooh once opined:  

9. Learn How To Communicate Properly

When you learn to communicate properly with each other, you teach your kids how to do the same with their friends, extended family members and ultimately, their own families. Be sure to encourage your children to initiate or engage in conversation as much as possible so they begin to feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.  Try playing games with them like show and tell or charades to help them express their feelings and boost their confidence.
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10. Take Time To Care For Your Health

Nobody likes going to the doctor, but it’s an important part of a healthy lifestyle. As your children grow up, they should have regular health checkups to make sure that they’re healthy. Parents should also keep on top of their health as well, to set a good example if nothing else.  If your children do struggle with doctor’s visits, sweeten the pot with a treat on the same day. You never know, they might start looking forward to them!
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Ideally, you and your children will get a clean bill of health each time. But if not, try not to worry. Come up with a plan with your doctor to help your children to stay as healthy as they can. Many childhood illnesses are treatable and minor, and catching them early is the best way to ensure a good recovery. 

You should also get in touch with your local doctor or specialist if you notice a health problem between checkups. For example, if your child is suffering with eczema or acne, your local dermatologist may be able to prescribe something to treat them. 

When you’re stressed out, so are your kids. You can't pour from an empty cup after all, and studies have proven it! Take time for a little self-care and use it to recharge and re-energize.  We love this article from bhg.com on 16 ways to refresh, recharge, renew and restart that your family is sure to thank you for.

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What are some ways you enjoy your family time?  Do you have any traditions you share as a family, or activities you enjoy doing together?  Any advice you'd add to the above?  Let's start a conversation, and let us know in the comments below.

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