Children’s Health & Wellbeing Matters
What does health mean?
Health can mean different things to different individuals.
To me being healthy means encouraging balance within myself by nurturing my “Whole-self”. It is taking care of my body, mind and soul.
Nourishing my body with healthy foods, exercise and sleep.
My mind with positivity, meditation and gratitude.
My soul with spirituality and appreciation to live in the present moment.
Now take time to think and review what health means to you?
What does well-being mean?
For me, well-being could be described as how I feel about myself and my life.It is my experience of my health, happiness, and prosperity. When I have good mental health, high life satisfaction, a sense of meaning or purpose, and ability to manage stress then my well-being is feeling healthy and I feel positive about my life. Now take time to think and review what well-being means to you?
What does wellness mean?
For me it means to take actions to be proactive to live a healthy lifestyle.
Coming from a very slow paced, healthy village lifestyle to a very busy western lifestyle was a very exciting next chapter of my life.
When it comes to my wellness, the reality of modern lifestyle and demands of being too busy, too stressed, too worried – well it took my attention away from making my wellness a priority.
I decided to take a huge step back and bring the villager from inside me to reconnect to who I really am? My experience and knowledge of living a simple life, being active,eating home cooked foods, being happy and serving others is what keeps me well.
Now take time to think and review what wellness means to you?
What are easy ways to care for our health & well-being?
Here are few of my favourites:
- Do what you enjoy, like:
Listen to your favourite feel good music. Read a good book. Soaking in a hot tub Playing with your pet can help you relax. Simple regular movements, meditation and breathing techniques to stay calm. Only 10 minutes at a time doing something you enjoy can go a long way toward beating the stressors of everyday life. Just reading one chapter or taking your dog for a few laps around the block will help you feel calmer, more refreshed and more energized.
- Make SleepTime Special
I have a sleeptime routine which has taken me many years to master.Sleep is as important as eating and moving.Create a bedtime routine. If you are consistent and go to bed on time every night, you will wake up satisfied. It all starts with 1 night at a time.
- Hobbies & Interests
I love to dance, cook and play childhood games.These give me an instant feel good mood.What makes you feel happy?Jigsaw puzzles? crochet? gardening? arts? craft? Whatever it is, start doing it.It will boost your mood. - Emotions are feelings
I have days when I feel very emotional. I get overwhelmed which makes me feel stressed, anxious, sad and sometimes worn out. I have taught myself to feel all my emotions. If I am feeling sad and feel like crying well I cry until I can’t cry anymore. Letting all my tears flow and my eyes dry by itself, makes me feel totally satisfied. When I am worried or stressed, I ask myself “What is the worst thing that will happen?” The answer I receive gives me the insight that I am worrying, stressing and anxious about something that will NOT happen therefore I STOP myself. I engage in something I enjoy doing. Before I know it, I am in a good mood. You might have a lot going on in your life which is very real to you. However Even the smallest gestures can empower you to face the toughest tasks or challenges. Therefore take a step back and ask “What is the worst thing that will happen?? Make your health and well-being a number one priority.
How do we teach children about health & wellness?
As a parent, a grandma and an educator for over 4 decades, I believe that adults in children’s lives are the first and the most important role models about all lessons including health and well-being.
It is by example that we can teach children the importance of health and well being. Apart from role-modelling, children need to be guided and encouraged to make educated choices. Let the children be proactive to get involved in things they enjoy and love to do. Involve them into the cooking process, sleep time routine and guide them to see and say positive words about self and their life. A Positive attitude installed in children’s development from an early age will lay a foundation for their future.I believe all adults in children’s lives: home and school need to work together and be in sync with their values and beliefs about the importance of health and well-being. Children learn better by following what adults are doing NOT what we are saying.
What age do we start teaching children about health & wellbeing?From my experience children are born learners. It depends on the adults in each child’s life as at what age you like to teach your child that being healthy and well is the most important wealth a child can have.
Presentations for children
- Tribal Kids Club=Selfcare for Kids – This interactive presentation is derived from the Magical Rainbow Inside You story. Children are involved to learn to belong and work together to learn about 7 colours and 7 positive messages to care about their health & wellbeing. Suitable for 3 to 12 Years.
- All Emotions are GOOD – This interactive presentation is derived from My Mummy Tickles My Rainbow story. Children are involved to learn it is absolutely ok to express different types of feelings and emotions. Suitable for 15 months to 5 years
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