Holistic wellness is more than just how much you weigh or how you feel. It’s a comprehensive approach to care that addresses physical, emotional, and environmental factors. And when you live among pets and children, that means caring for an entire household to establish a healthier, happier environment.
If you’ve been eager to redesign your life with holistic wellness as your north star, you’ve come to the right place. This guide presents nine actionable steps to help you develop a wellness routine that benefits both your pets and your kids.
1. Make Nutritious Meals a Priority
Balanced, whole-food meals rich in essential nutrients will help both your furry and human family members thrive. For your kids, this means offering a variety of fruits and vegetables – and finding creative ways to incorporate them into meals for picky eaters.
Plan on cooking plenty of lean proteins, like chicken breast or fish, and whole grains, too. For pets, consult with a veterinarian to choose species-appropriate, nutrient-dense food. Avoid options loaded with artificial ingredients and fillers, and resist the temptation to feed pets table scraps that may interfere with their digestion.
If you have a dog, be aware of yeast imbalances, which can affect overall vitality. A dog with itchy ears or crusty skin could be exhibiting signs of a yeast infection. Too many carbs or sugary foods can cause these yeast imbalances, so aim to weave more high-quality protein and probiotics into their diet.
2. Establish a Consistent Routine
Children and pets do best with routines. Schedule activities like mealtimes, playtime, and rest for each day. Remain consistent with routines to encourage stability, reduce stress, and set clear expectations.
For children, it’s particularly important to schedule a consistent bedtime and stable meal times. Your child will experience better sleep and mood regulation. Plus pets can reap the benefits of a consistent routine, too, resulting in better overall behavior.
3. Schedule Outdoor Time
Spending time outdoors with your family can have a rejuvenating effect after hours of school or work. Play catch in the yard, take your dog on a leisurely walk, or explore nearby parks to take advantage of pleasant weather and time together.
Fresh air and exercise can encourage better physical fitness while reducing stress. Your pets will love getting to socialize and release energy. And as a bonus, outdoor play promotes better sleep and concentration for children.
Just be sure to make room in your busy schedule for outdoor time, as it’s too easy to punt an afternoon walk or hike to another day.
4. Engage in Physical Activity
Pets and children need ample active play and exercise as part of a balanced routine. Games of fetch or tag can boost mental health by releasing endorphins, which lower stress and anxiety.
Find activities that your children and pets can do together or just head to the park and make use of the open green spaces and playground equipment. Increased physical activity can improve muscle strength and maintain a healthy weight for both kids and pets.
5. Focus on Mental Stimulation
Activities like puzzles or reading help develop cognitive abilities and keep them engaged. But your pets need mental challenges to stay sharp and avoid boredom, too.
Keep in mind that a bored pet or young child can turn to destructive behaviors, so it’s wise to have a lineup of toys and games ready to go. For pets, using treat-dispensing toys or teaching new tricks can offer a lot of enrichment.
6. Promote Emotional Well-being
As an adult in your household, make sure you’re nurturing an environment where your children and pets feel loved and supported. Offering positive reinforcement and praise for good behavior is one easy way to do that, but physical affection matters, too.
Create moments of connection, such as cuddling, reading together, or just spending quiet time with your pet or child. You’ll strengthen your relationship and build trust.
7. Stay Aware of Hygiene
Good hygiene practices are vital if you want your pets and children to avoid sick days. Teach your children the importance of washing their hands after playing and encourage regular baths.
Pets need regular grooming, too, to keep fur or skin clean and healthy. Regularly clean bedding and toys to prevent the buildup of pet allergens, bacteria, and yeast, as well.
8. Encourage Rest
Do you have a designated quiet time to relax in your household? If not, you may want to add one to help everyone recharge before the next activity. Create cozy spaces where both your child and pet can retreat for rest.
Maybe you have a reading nook stocked with library books and games for your child. Or perhaps you outfit your pet’s crate with a cushioned bed and a familiar toy. At night, encourage winding down activities, such as storytelling or soft music, to support better sleep.
9. Pursue Preventive Care
Schedule routine doctor’s appointments for your children and regular veterinary checkups for your pets. Preventive care ensures early detection of potential health issues and helps keep vaccinations, dental care, and general health in check.
Come to each appointment with a list of questions for your provider, and be open about any concerns to arrive at the most precise treatment. You’ll model a positive example for your children by staying on top of their health needs, and they can carry that effort forward into adulthood.
Create a Healthier Household
Being attentive to your family means being attentive to their physical and emotional needs. Your pets and children will flourish when they’re fortified with nutritious food, quality sleep, and a lineup of fun activities.
But this can’t happen without awareness and a willingness to be actively involved. It’s worth the effort to commit to a good holistic wellness routine so your entire household can feel connected and supported.