Summer is full of fun activities and outings with the family. It can also be a time of stress, especially when your routine is thrown out the window. Having kids home from school all day, every day, can throw a wrench in what you would normally do.
The good news, is that it’s still possible to keep up on a healthy routine even with the kids at home for the summer. We’ve compiled a list of ways to help!
Include kids in your workout:
- Take your kids with you to the gym! If they are old enough, they might enjoy working out with you and learn how to do different exercises. This also teaches them healthy habits. If they haven’t quite reached that age, many gyms have kids’ rooms or daycares where your kids can spend time while you get your workout in.
- Get a morning walk in before the heat sets in or do an at-home workout before they wake up.
- Headed to the pool? Make it a workout! Jump in with your kids and have races or play games. It will help you to be active and make for fun memories.
- Take the kids on a hike. It doesn’t have to be strenuous or long to get health benefits.
- Get creative on how you get steps in, whether this means to park the car further away, walk to the pool instead of drive, cool off by walking through the aquarium or a museum, etc.
- Turn the sprinklers on in the backyard and create an obstacle course.
Eating well starts with planning well:
- Create a meal plan with fun summer meals to try out which the whole family can look forward to. Having a plan can keep you from resorting to the drive thru after a long day.
- Meal prep. Even just one meal you can repeat throughout the week will give you a healthy option on hand when busy. Include the kids in creating the plan by asking what their favorite summer meal is and incorporate it into the weekly menu. If the meals don’t offer much nutritional value, look online for healthier alternatives or add-ins.
- Tin foil dinners are a fun way to include a healthier meal. Plus, it’s fun for the kids. Head outdoors and cook your food over a fire or use the oven for an at-home camping night. You’ll all have a blast and feel great doing it.
- Add in smoothies as a way to cool off on a hot summer day. Include the kids in creating new recipes. They’ll love having a way to experiment in the kitchen. Need ideas to get you started? Check out these six smoothie recipes we love.
Get good, quality rest:
- Keep a set bedtime routine and time to ensure a sufficient amount sleep. Summer heat and activities can require a lot of energy. Plus, it can be tempting to stay up late with longer days and different schedules. Solid sleep can help with weight loss and keep you energized.
Make a family summer bucket list:
- This will get everyone excited about the activities to come and give each person something to look forward to. Include as many “active” activities as possible. Hikes, sports, rock climbing, swimming, bike rides, trampoline parks, water days, and frisbee are all great examples of ways to move your body and have fun as a family.
- Have everyone pick one new thing that they want to try this summer, including you. Then get out and try it out together.
While the summer months can get tricky with kids home from school, warmer weather, and an overall sense of relaxation, it’s possible and important to maintain a healthy routine. Get your kids involved, make time for yourself, and get creative so that you can look and feel great throughout the sunshine season.
