May is Family Wellness Month, a time to prioritize health together. With so many factors affecting our health, from our environment to our diet and lifestyle habits, we must be intentional about wellness to improve our overall well-being. What better way to embark on this journey than as a family? Family Wellness Month was created to educate and support families in their quest for wellness.
As the saying goes, a mom is the heart of the household. When it comes to cultivating healthy habits for the whole family, moms often take the lead and set the tone. This Family Wellness Month, let’s celebrate mothers’ vital role in nurturing physical, mental, and emotional well-being under one roof.
Mom = Chief Wellness Officer
Whether working inside or outside the home, moms are typically the chief household officers—responsible for everything from nutrition to schedules to self-care routines. Their example is one of the biggest influences on kids’ developing positive associations with healthy living.
When mom prioritizes movement, nutritious eating, quality sleep, and stress management, it sends a powerful signal that these pillars of wellness are core family values. Children observe their mothers’ mindsets and habits around health from a very young age. Modeling desired behaviors is key to instilling lifelong healthy patterns in little ones.
Of course, all parents ideally work as a team to create an environment that promotes total family wellness. But busy moms are uniquely positioned to weave health-promoting practices into the fabric of their family’s daily routines and rituals in creative, sustainable ways.
Sarah Bowmar’s Top Tips for Moms
Sarah Bowmar, a renowned fitness enthusiast, advocate for healthy living, and co-owner of Bowmar Fitness and Bowmar Nutrition, offers valuable family fitness advice for leading by example. She emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals and finding activities you and your family can enjoy together, making it more likely to stick with healthy habits.
Sarah understands the challenges and rewards of pursuing your own wellness journey while guiding your family. She shares these tips for busy moms striving to level up their household’s health:
Make it a family affair. Get everyone involved rather than separating “mom’s workout time” from family time! Plan active outings like hikes, bike rides, or trips to the park that merge exercise, fresh air, and quality time. Kids will have fun while absorbing health-promoting associations.
Sarah shares, “Some of the best memories I made in Alaska were when Oakley was strapped to my chest, and we were hiking near waterfalls, a lake, and through forests. It was truly one of the most amazing moments in my life. Having kids doesn’t mean you stop doing the things you love—it just means you have to plan a little more!”
Lead by example, not perfection. Avoid unhealthy, punishing mindsets around diet and exercise. If you “fell off the wagon” one day by overindulging or skipping a workout, shake it off and reset it with your next choice. Modeling self-compassion and balance teaches kids that wellness is a lifelong journey, not an unattainable ideal.
Divide and conqueror. If both parents can exercise regularly, take turns being the lead parent while the other works out without distractions. It’s a simple way to safeguard self-care for both Mom and Dad.
Brainstorm indoor options. When outdoor activities aren’t possible due to schedules or weather, get creative about ways to stay active indoors together. Indoor camping, dance parties, and active video games are silly crowd-pleasers that burn energy.
Focus on abundance. Rather than restricting or demonizing foods, teach kids to tune into their bodies’ cues around hunger, fullness, and cravings. Fill your kitchen with plenty of delicious, nutrient-dense whole foods and model enthusiastic eating. Here are some suggestions from Sarah for recipe ideas packed full of protein that are both delicious and good for you.
Build a supportive tribe. Surround yourself with a circle of positive friends, family, or expert coaches committed to family wellness. A like-minded community to inspire, encourage, and strategize with makes a big difference.
Sarah R. Moore on Peaceful Discipline Exclusive Interview(Opens in a new browser tab)
Sarah’s family wellness philosophy revolves around integrating health into daily family life seamlessly. She advocates for nutrition, exercise, and mental health. For nutrition, focus on whole, unprocessed foods and involve the family in meal prep to educate them about nutrition. Incorporate physical activities the whole family can enjoy together, such as hiking, biking, or playing sports.
Finally, prioritize downtime and ensure every family member gets time to relax and rejuvenate. Sarah says, “Don’t forget to embrace the opportunity to relax and indulge in new experiences while staying active. Maintaining your fitness routine is about flexibility and finding joyful movement! And it’s also about finding balance so you can recharge and live your best life.”
These strategies aim to improve physical health and strengthen the family bond, creating a nurturing environment for everyone’s overall well-being. Remember, you’ve got this. As the heart of the home, moms have a beautiful opportunity to shape a rich legacy of health, happiness, and fulfillment within their family walls. Celebrate your sacred role this Family Wellness Month!
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