Healthy Habits for Back to School Season
Summer is coming to a close, and the kids are headed back to school. With children spending time in close proximity the spread of germs and viruses is amplified and everyone becomes more susceptible to getting sick. Protect yourself and your family from common contagions with healthy habits that are easy to implement.
Lather, Rinse, Repeat: Handwashing is crucial to the fight against contagious illnesses. You know the drill (warm water, soap, and a clean drying implement) but little ones might not understand this routine yet. One thing you can do to instill healthy handwashing habits is have your children wash their hands while singing the alphabet. This prevents an ineffective “rinse and run” at the sink. No sink in sight? Consider travel sized hand sanitizer bottles (with a big bottle for refills at home). They’re great in a pinch, but the old-fashioned soap and water method will always be king.
Get Muuving- Staying active has plenty of benefits, but did you know that moderate exercise can possibly lower the number of colds you get in a year? It won’t be a surprise to hear that we at Nuun think everyone should get at least a little muuvement every day- including kiddos. Family walks around the neighborhood are a great opportunity to get outside and chat with your children about their day. If it’s raining or too cold for a stroll, consider a YouTube yoga session or a family jumping jack contest.
Help Yourself to Healthy- A diet rich in fruits and veggies is the standard recommendation from every parenting magazine under the sun, but if you’re looking for an extra immunity boost Nuun Immunity has your back. Designed with a blend of anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, and (of course) electrolytes, Nuun Immunity is a no-brainer for cold and flu season. Pair a glass of Nuun Immunity with a serving of probiotic yogurt for a snack that packs a healthy punch.
Catch Some Zzzz- It’s well established that sleep is essential to your body’s natural defense against illness. While most parents are eager to hit the hay at the end of a long day, children can be a little more reluctant to go to sleep, especially if you’re living in an area where it’s still light out at bedtime. If you’ve got a reluctant sleeper in your house, we found this article on establishing a bedtime routine to be very helpful. The key takeaway? Consistency and clear communication. If the grownups in your house need their own bedtime routine to banish mental stress and sore muscles, we love to mix a hot mug of Nuun Rest and sip while doing a little light reading.
Have any other helpful or healthful back to school advice? Share in the comments below!