Tips and Tricks for a Healthy School Year

Tips and Tricks for a Healthy School Year
2020.  

If the past six months are any indication, this school year could be especially tough. Our kids have been home in our protective bubbles, likely with little routine, a slower change of pace, less pressure to perform academically, and and now it’s time for new experiences, new routines, new exposures, and new challenges. 

No matter if your kids are heading back to in-person schooling or hanging out at home to complete their schoolwork, they still need us to help them care for their bodies. It’s possible for our kiddos to stay vibrant, strong, and living above the wellness line this school year by adopting a few healthy habits that will boost their immune system naturally.

Health Starts in the Home

One of the biggest contributors to negative health is the large number of synthetic chemicals in our homes. Our homes are our sanctuaries, our place of safety and refuge. But sadly, the products we buy often contain ingredients that endanger them. 

We are marketed to and led to believe that even the “all natural” products are safe for our families when in reality, they aren’t. Many common household products can lead to health problems like eye and throat irritation, headaches, respiratory issues, allergic reactions, worsened asthma, focus issues, and possibly even cancer. These chemicals such as formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, ethanolamines, triclosan, and synthetic fragrance are wreaking havoc on our immune system at a time when we NEED it to be working at its best. 

It’s important to use truly harsh-chemical-free products when cleaning and disinfecting our homes. That also applies to what we’re putting on our bodies for personal care and on our clothing when we do laundry. I encourage your to read the back labels on your all-purpose cleaners, shampoos, soaps, toothpaste, and laundry supplies.  If one contains any of those chemicals shown above, ditch it and switch to a safe, plant-based product that you can feel good about.

Synthetic chemicals aren’t limited to cleaning and personal care products.  I also want to encourage you to ditch those toxic air fresheners, plugins, and candles and switch them out for a much safer solution - an essential oil diffuser. Inhaling an oil can be greatly beneficial for kids! Breathing in essential oils directly influences the control center of the brain, the hypothalamus. This area sends instructions through our body concerning sleep patterns, mood, behavior, appetite, and the release of certain hormones. You’re not only making the air smell better, you’re supporting your family’s bodies! How cool is that?!


Morning Nutrition

Wake up, sleepy head!! It’s time for school. Whether they’re headed to a school building or just the living room, it’s important to fill that tummy with some good nutrition. 

According to kidshealth.org, “Skipping breakfast can make kids feel tired, restless, or irritable. In the morning, their bodies need to refuel for the day ahead after going without food for 8 to 12 hours during sleep. Their mood and energy can drop by midmorning if they don't eat at least a small morning meal.” 

Try to offer options that contain protein, fiber, or whole carbohydrates like fresh fruits, veggies, eggs, nuts, lean meats, or healthy grains. And since a spoon of sugar can suppress the immune system for several hours, sugary cereals and toaster pastries probably aren’t the best options.

It’s tough for our kiddos to always get the nutrients they need, especially if they’re picky eaters like my daughter. She takes a multivitamin that that includes a full range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that deliver whole-food multinutrient support for general health and well-being. Its important to us that it be free of preservatives and artificial colors and flavors too.

A few other daily supplements I recommend:

  • Vitamin C - Because our bodies cannot manufacture vitamin C, we can benefit by consuming this powerful antioxidant daily. It plays an important role in normal immune and circulatory functions, helps to strengthen connective tissues, and promotes overall health, vitality, and longevity.

  • Vitamin D - Vitamin D helps support bone growth, healthy muscle, mood, and hormone regulation. It also plays a key function in respiratory health, and through its innate and adaptive defense mechanisms, supports the body’s respiratory immune system. 

  • Probiotics - We can all benefit from a daily probiotic to promote healthy digestion, support gut health, as well as maintain normal intestinal function for the overall support of a healthy immune system.

Nighty Night!

Getting adequate sleep is uber important for staying healthy. According to Rachel Dawkins, M.D., with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, “Sleep is an essential part of everyone’s routine and an indispensable part of a healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown that kids who regularly get an adequate amount of sleep have improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, and overall mental and physical health. Not getting enough sleep can lead to high blood pressure, obesity, and even depression.” 

You might be surprised to learn that children from ages 6-12 should be getting 9-12 hours of sleep a night, and children from ages 13-18 should be getting 8-10 hours a night. 

Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is important, ideally starting at the same time every night. Here are some tips to establish this healthy routine.

  • Stop use of electronics/screens at least an hour before bed
  • Read a short book or excerpt from a book
  • Limit caffeine 
  • Take a warm bath
  • Dim the lights
  • Use calming essential oils topically or in the diffuser


Below the Wellness Line

Unfortunately, falling below the wellness line is a fact of life.  However - it is how our bodies learn to “fight.” According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, “Once the body has come into contact with a disease-causing germ for the first time, it usually stores information about the germ and how to fight it. Then, if it comes into contact with the germ again, it recognizes the germ straight away and can start fighting it faster.” This is why it’s so vital that we continually support our immune systems, especially if they have been threatened and are in a weaker state. 

One of my favorite things to do when anyone in our house is showing signs of going below the wellness line is a detox bath. This can be a great way to help restore the body, thanks to the ingredients within. Himalayan pink salt removes toxins from the body through a process called reverse osmosis. It also contains very high levels of minerals - like magnesium, calcium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, and zinc. Activated charcoal is  powerfully detoxifying. It also deodorizes, purifies, and is anti-bacterial. Add in some essential oils and it’s a mix made with love that you and your kids are sure to enjoy. Be sure to drink plenty of water after a detox bath to help your body replenish and stay hydrated. 

 
Detox Bath

  • ½ cup Himalayan pink salt
  • ½ cup activated charcoal
  • 3 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops Frankincense essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a glass bowl or jar. When ready to use, add 3 TBSP to ¼ cup to a hot bath. Soak for at least 20-30 minutes. 


Oil Up, Buttercup!

Whether your child needs help with focus and concentration, wellness support, sleep, or emotions such as fear, anxiety, excitement, etc., we have access to some amazing tools — essential oils.  Essential oils can play a HUGE role in supporting our bodies when used regularly. Apply them or diffuse them while your family is getting ready in the mornings and during bedtime routines. You can even send rollers to school or apply oils to a diffuser bracelet or fidget spinner. If you’re doing school at home, have oils at the ready to apply or diffuse while the kids work. There are so many ways to use them to support a healthy lifestyle.

Obviously, that wasn’t a conclusive list of healthy back-to-school habits, but it’s a great start for many of us.  For those of you reading this now, I’ve prayed that your family will experience great health, little fear, and comfort with your decision about where you‘re educating your children this school year.  You’ve got this, mama!

Be well, 
Nicole


If you’re interested in more healthy living tips, check out my free guide for Three Easy Ways to Detox Your Home. You can also join my healthy lifestyle Facebook group, How to Be a Modern Hippie, here.








Are You Suddenly Homeschooling?

Are You Suddenly Homeschooling?
We’re in stressful times, for sure. Moms are on edge about all the things. We would give our very life for our kids, but . . .

Anyone else need to slow-walk alone through Target?
We’re cooking three meals each day + snacks, and our house is M-E-S-S-Y!
Financial worries abound.
Are our immune systems okay?
Wait, we have to entertain these monkeys? And make them wash their hands a billion times each day?
Then to top it off, we have to *gasp* homeschool?  Without yelling?

I don’t know about you, but I was NOT ready for this myself.  If that's you, check out this free guide to discover a few ways we can make this season as painless as possible. It can be done . . . it just takes some intention. 

Want more info? Let's chat!

Be well,
Nicole

If you liked this info, check out my free guide for Three Easy Ways to Detox Your Home here.

Cover photo credit: Kent Weatherwax

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Fear. Anxiety. Stress.

You misplaced your purse. 

The phone rings at 2 a.m. 

Your child is chasing a ball toward the street just as a car turns the corner toward your house.

In that moment of panic and fear, your heart begins to race, your breath quickens, and you probably develop some super-human strength.

You are, indeed, wonderfully made. Those immediate responses are from your hypothalamus, a tiny control tower in your brain, kicking into gear and telling your body to send in the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline. These stress hormones trigger your body’s “fight or flight“ response that God designed to prepare you to react quickly in an emergency.  

But what happens when anxiety, fear, and stress linger? That’s when your health begins to suffer.  Prolonged stress can cause a host of health issues, including weight gain, depression, headaches, insomnia, and diabetes and can take a toll on your digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, and immune systems. It’s critical that we get anxiety under control before we see the negative impact.

So what are a few simple shifts we can make to manage our stress, especially when what is causing it is beyond our control?

First, B-R-E-A-T-H-E. Inhale for a count of ten, hold it for three seconds, and exhale slowly.
 
I’m a firm believer that whatever we focus on increases. We can’t always eliminate the bad things going on around us, but we can choose to change our focus. Is there a bright side to the situation? Focus on THAT!

Keep a gratitude journal. Studies show that people who practice gratitude experience less stress. Start your day with prayer, then write down three things you thankful for, but make it something new each day. 

Employ relaxation techniques. Whatever causes you to EXHALE, do that! Think hot bath with epsom salt, a hike, a massage, intimacy . . . you decide. 

Take control of SOMETHING! I’m a control freak, so when things are happening around me that I can’t change, I master something. Clean a closet, purge the pantry . . . anything that gives you the feeling of order.

The important thing is to get control of our anxiety and fear naturally before they cause health issues. I help women discover a lifestyle of natural wellness, and I’d love to help you!

Sister, there’s a better way to live this life!

Be well,
Nicole

We all know that stress, sleep, and sadness are three words that don’t pair well together. Too much stress usually equals too little sleep, which in turn leaves us more tired, more cranky, and more stressed.  So how do we stop the vicious cycle? Get my free guide
 to learn how we can stay more calm and relaxed during the day and enjoy better sleep at night to live a happier life.