Research-backed
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The pandemic has been stressful for everyone. People lost their jobs, loved ones, and homes. Businesses went under, lives were lost, money and stability were out of reach, and panic and fear were in everyone’s hearts and minds. With government-imposed lockdown restrictions, people were forced to stay indoors. Schools, colleges, and offices adopted distance learning and working from home as a safety precaution. With being cut off from the outdoors and spending several months indoors, it’s normal that you lose out on activity and movement throughout the day.
Your kids used to spend hours in school running around with friends, playing sports, and keeping themselves active. However, with the pandemic, physical activity has taken a hit. If you’re worried about how to ensure that your child does not miss out on their fitness because of being stuck indoors, look no further. We are here to tell you what you can do to enable your child to have a healthier lifestyle, not just physically but overall. Because fitness is more than just your physical body, it’s also about maintaining good mental health, receiving the right nutrition, and getting sufficient rest.
1. Physical Fitness
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Your kid needs at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Because they are stuck in front of screens during virtual classes, they must dedicate some specific time to exert themselves. Kids look up to you for inspiration, so ensure that you are making exercise a priority. You could always workout with your kids. There are tons of videos available online that make exercising fun and effective. Therefore, get up and get moving with your kids!
2. Mental Fitness
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Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness. A healthy mind and a healthy body contribute to your overall well-being. If your kids engage in physical activity every day, they will have a healthier mental state because exercise releases endorphins in the body that are responsible for feelings of euphoria (1). Other ways that you can keep your kids mentally fit is by encouraging them to play games like chess, sudoku, puzzles, and quizzes.
3. Nutrition
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Nutrition plays a crucial role in the development of a child. Foods that are processed and rich in sugar may be detrimental to your kid’s health. If your kid is cranky or experiences fatigue often, it could be because of a lack of nutrition. Therefore, always make sure that your child eats a well-balanced diet rich in proteins, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s okay to give them a dessert or pizza once in a while, but avoid making it a habit. Typically, a child’s diet must include whole foods such as fruits, nuts, seeds, vegetables, eggs, pulses, and dairy. Refrain from consuming outside food often and try to have homemade meals that are healthy and nutritious.
4. Rest And Recovery
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Sleep is equally important to maintain the overall well-being of your child. If your kid is doing all the above things right but not getting adequate rest, it could lead to stress, fatigue and even cause them to fall ill. The primary factor that robs children of their sleep is screen time. They spend most of their sleeping hours scrolling through digital devices, which hampers their sleep cycle. It can be unhealthy and harmful for your child. Therefore, instruct your kid to keep their phones away one hour before bedtime and, if possible, make the bedroom a phone-free zone.
The pandemic has brought in new challenges for parents and kids. The transition has not been easy, but with these few tips and tricks, your kids will have a holistic approach to their health and well-being. Do you agree with us? What have been your biggest challenges with fitness during the pandemic? Comment below and let us know. Don’t forget to share the article with concerned parents!
