Parent Magazine Flagler January 2022 | Page 28

How To Be a SuperHero to Your Child By Jocelyn Gordon

Being a hero to your child means honoring the commitment to watch over and protect them . This commitment requires that you cultivate the ninja-like ability of balancing the razor-edged sword of self-care and self-sacrifice .

Below are some ways you can nurture your superhero status in the eyes of your child :
Take care of yourself
Even superheroes need to recharge . What if the superhero abilities you wish to develop are longevity and optimal health ? Certainly , you would want to look at the health factors and risks in your life , explore your biological age and make investments towards cultivating practices that nurture cellular health . Some of these include :
Ì Good sleep hygiene - A chronic lack of sleep can negatively affect your cardiovascular and immune systems making you more susceptible to heart disease , diabetes and infections . According to data compiled by the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study , longevity is positively impacted with an average of seven to eight hours of sleep a night .
Ì Mitigating the stressors in your life - Stress can cause irritability and irritability can make you less patient , and if there is any skill required for raising a child , it is patience . Take stock of your life , visit with your GP and work with health advocates to support you in making the necessary behavioral changes that help you become less reactive and more present to your children , family and life . Bonus : stress management also contributes to your longevity and makes you more pleasant to be around !
Ì Eating well - The benefits of eating well are boundless and include supporting your immunity , reducing inflammation and helping you find your optimal weight . Eating well and demonstrating the tenets of a balanced diet , also provides your child with nutritional guidance to last a lifetime . Be the example .
Ì Exercising regularly - In addition to feeling more comfortable in your body and clothes , regular exercise helps to balance your hormones , boost your energy and release feel-good chemicals that reduce pain whilst elevating your mood . Plus , you ’ ll be more agile , flexible and strong , making you the fun parent who can play , clown around and endure the physical rigors of raising a child .
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