Because we hang out with our own bodies and minds all the time, we tend to take them for granted and forget how amazing they are. And while humans are complex and capable of all sorts of incredible things, looking after ourselves boils down to some simple principles. Eating a healthy, balanced diet; getting enough sleep; being physically active; being social – taking care of these basics helps us be as physically and, in turn, as mentally healthy as we can be.  

You can help your children and young people establish healthy habits that they’ll hopefully carry throughout their lives. The best thing you can do is to set an example and make living healthily a positive, enjoyable choice, rather than something to be endured.

Physical Activities and Hobbies

• Encourage kids to keep active. They might join a sports team, ride their bike, walk the dog, go for a run, or play in the backyard. The main thing is getting out and having fun.
• How much activity children or young people are willing to do will depend on their interest in being active. Starting small and building up might be what they need.
• Fit physical activity into everyday activities – like walking to school or the shops instead of driving.

Healthy Eating

• Include a variety of healthy foods such as plenty of vegetables, fruit and cereals (like bread, rice and pasta), some lean protein (meat, chicken, fish, or tofu) dairy products (milk, yoghurt, cheese) and lots of water. It’s a good idea to avoid fatty foods and foods with lots of sugar in them.
• Get children and young people involved in cooking family meals and making their own lunches. There are countless kid-friendly recipes online – give them a go!

Social Activities and Healthy Relationships

• Help your children and young people create and maintain a sense of belonging to the family, their friends, culture and their community.
• Encourage them to hang out with friends or suggest social activities that might be of interest, such as sports, after-school clubs, playing in a band, listening to music or going to the movies.
• Strong connections with their cultural heritage, family and community have big mental health benefits for children and young people, particularly those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Information from Beyond Blue Healthy Families. Click here for more.