Did someone say that the festive season is not compatible with healthy habits? Experts give advice for families to manage the “excesses” of Christmas… with happiness, while continuing to enjoy everything this season has to offer.
The festive season is a time of exciting activities, family gatherings and a break from the normal routine. As a result, you may feel like your usual routines get lost in the shuffle. hustle and bustle of parties.
Possible disruptions that can affect well-being and cause stress in the household include irregular meals, more snacks and screen time, and later bedtimes.
The good news is that integrating simple, healthy habits during the holidays doesn’t have to be a headache and allows everyone to feel their best during this busy holiday season.
In an article in , nutritionists and family health researchers reveal results from a study on family health, listing three effective strategies that can help you enjoy the good things about Christmas to be happy.
1. Turn meals into family time
Busy holiday schedules can make it seem nearly impossible to find time to cook and sit down for a family meal. However, during the festive season, making time to sit down together for at least one family meal (whatever it is) a day is key. This simple habit helps your family maintain healthier eating patterns and provides a valuable opportunity for socializing.
Involve the whole family in preparing food. This could include baking typical seasonal cakes, cooking a family meal or preparing a dish for a festive gathering. Involving children in meal preparation, such as stirring food, measuring ingredients or even helping with shopping, can increase the likelihood that they will taste the foods they help prepare and can reduce food selectivity.
2. Find moments to move, play and switch off
Go outdoors (weather permitting)! Children who spend more time outdoors are more physically active. Spending time in nature also supports brain development and helps children relax.
When it’s time to go back inside to warm up, have a plan for screen time. Children spend less time in front of screens when parents establish limits on its use. While this may seem difficult during the school holidays, setting specific screen time limits for the festive season can help children know what to expectwhich can reduce daily discussions about screens. Keep meals screen-free.
Setting limits on screen use doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite holiday films. Intentional, time-limited screen use has benefits. In fact, watching movies or television together is associated with many cognitive benefits for children. Asking content-related questions like “what if” and “why” can help develop vocabulary and critical thinking.
3. Balancing festivities with family sleep routines
A good night’s sleep can help everyone, including parents, make the most of the festive season. Children who get enough sleep report less stress and hyperactivity, and better physical and mental health. Depending on their age, children and teenagers need between eight and 17 hours of sleep per day, while adults need seven to nine hours of sleep. Research shows that one in four children does not get enough sleep.
Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine can also help children fall asleep when sleeping outside. Giving children a “few minutes’ warning” can help them manage their emotions when it’s time to stop a fun activity to get ready for bed..
