Spending time with family is a great stress reliever. (Well, sometimes.) But in this age of technology and gadgets galore, many of our free hours are often spent indoors playing video games. And although there's something to be said about bonding over playing these games, there's certainly no substitute for heading for the great outdoors and getting some fresh air. Do you want to truly bond with your child and have a real conversation with them? Turn off the television and go for a simple walk - it's free and requires no special equipment.
There's little doubt that social media has changed our perceptions of relationships and in many ways enhanced our lives. Unfortunately, the technology craze has also had a marked effect on our waistlines. The rates of obesity for children and adults are higher than ever. So what's the solution? It's simple - more exercise. And that doesn't mean turning to your video game console and slipping in an exercise DVD - (although sometimes during the cold winter months even that's better than nothing) it means getting some fresh air on the local trails or taking a bike ride together through the neighborhood.
Human beings are inherently social creatures. And while sharing our updates and photos on social media are great ways to reach out to people, our online lives shouldn't replace real human interaction. Sure, you might be Facebook friends with your neighbor, but when's the last time you spent actually having a cup of coffee and chatting over the fence? Yes, looking at cat pictures online is fun and can make you laugh - but it certainly doesn't replace the joy you feel when laughing with a friend face to face over a silly story.
The bottom line is simple: family time is important. So is being active and living a healthy lifestyle. If you want to set a good example for your kids regarding health and wellness, you should put down the smart phone, turn off the computer, and hit the local parks. Maybe sign your kids up for sports - whether its soccer, football, volleyball, or even kite-flying. Besides, encouraging your child to be active during the day might just make bedtime easier. And that's something that all parents and children could benefit from!
A blog with information to help inspire action that will improve health.