Keeping the family safe and well is always a priority, no matter what time of year it is. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes eating lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, nuts, grains, lean proteins, fish oils and drinking plenty of water. You can even add some plain nettle leaves (1 tsp of dried herbs for every cup of water) to your daily fluid intake to boost immunity.
Increasing your heart rate for at least fifteen minutes of the day is a must. Choose an activity that the whole family will enjoy. That way, it won’t feel like that sometimes dreaded word “exercise.” Consider taking a brisk walk together, going for a swim, bicycling, or signing up for a family dance or yoga class. You might even find an interactive video game that the whole family can play. These days, there are so many fun games that can be played from the comfort of your own air-conditioned living room while the temperatures are still scorching outside. This will also create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere that will help build interpersonal relationships and a sense of belonging, which is also vital to human health.
Make sure to get plenty of rest every night and decrease caffeine and alcohol intake, which can elevate stress and dehydrate you. If stress is a problem, consider blending the following essential oils (two drops of each) to induce a sense of calm and relaxation: bergamot, geranium, lemon and lavender. Be sure to add two tablespoons of safflower oil to the mixture. This blend can be added to your bath, rubbed on to the feet or added to a diffuser. Aah… Feeling relaxed already!
If by chance anyone in the family gets out of balance, I have included some family-friendly* essential oil recipes to alleviate some common complaints:
- For allergies, try a blend of lavender, lemon and peppermint essentail oils. Blend a combination of 15 drops in a one ounce spray bottle filled with distilled water and spray the mist into a halo over their head.
- For an upset stomach, blend rosemary, dill and geranium (ten drops each) into 2 tablespoons of safflower oil. (Patchouli can be used to alleviate constipation.) Rub in a clockwise motion on the abdomen for about five minutes.
- For migraines, massage a combination of peppermint and chamomile around the base of the neck, working up towards the base of the skull for about fifteen minutes.
Family health and well-being is a priority. Using these simple tips, you can help to create an atmosphere where good habits, health and vitality will be yours for years to come.
* Please note all of the recipes in this article are safe and effective for children 2 years or older.
