Parents, this has been one long summer!
With back to school around the corner, a sick child is not on the agenda!
​Lets' all send OUR children back to daycare/school in great health.

I created this guide to assist you if your child comes home with a cold more than usual.
A Parent's Guide to Keeping Your Kids Cold-Free

Do your children attract colds the way a bird feeder makes hungry squirrels come
running?
With some simple precautions, you may be able to keep your children free
from infections this cold and flu season, or at least relieve their symptoms faster and
reduce their number of sick days.

While adults average only about 2 to 4 colds a year, many children have 10 or
more, especially if they're in close contact with other little ones at school or day care
centers. If you want to beat those odds, take a look at this guide to preventing colds.

Fighting Colds by Encouraging Cleanliness:

1.Wash your hands. The most effective way to stop colds is to keep your hands
clean, and keep them away from your face, especially your eyes. Teach your
children to wash their hands frequently with soap for about 20 seconds at a
time.

2.Check your nails. Remember to scrub under fingernails too, because that's
where germs get trapped. Keep your child's nails trimmed short and use a nail
brush to be thorough.

3. Switch your towels. A dirty towel will undo all your good intentions. Consider
using disposable towels, or wash cloth towels daily, when a family member is ill.

4. Disinfect toys. Stuffed toys and other playthings can transfer germs too. Clean
hard surfaces with diluted bleach. Hand wash teddy bears or put them in a
plastic bag with baking soda, and give them a shake.

5. Limit sharing. Show your child how to share safely. Train them to use their own
drinking glass and water bottle.

Fighting Colds by Changing How You Feed Your Kids:

1. Eat up. Starving a cold is a myth. Serve your child a balanced and nutritious diet
that will keep their energy up.

2. Stay hydrated. Drinking lots of liquids is good advice. Water or tea will loosen
up congestion, and warm beverages feel good on scratchy throats.

3. Sip soup. Chicken soup is another home remedy that makes sense. In addition
to keeping your child hydrated, it provides essential nutrients.

4. Try vitamins. A number of studies suggest that products with ingredients like
vitamin C or zinc may not provide any special benefits. However, if you don’t
mind the cost, you might want to see if they work for you.

Other Strategies for Fighting Colds:

1. Use a humidifier. Humidifiers can reduce coughing and make it easier to
breathe by adding moisture to dry winter air. Clean them regularly to avoid
mold.

2. Gargle with saltwater. Your probably know that salt can soothe a sore throat,
but it may also prevent colds in the first place. Some studies show that even
gargling with plain water leads to fewer colds, and it costs nothing.

3.Cover your mouth. Encourage your child to cover their mouth when they cough
or sneeze. Germs are more easily transmitted by touch than by air, but it's still
the polite thing to do.

4.Warm your feet. Many studies have cast doubt on the belief that you'll catch a
cold if you go outside without a coat or hat. On the other hand, there is some
evidence that keeping your feet warm helps, so let your kids wear footed
pajamas or socks to bed.

5.Play outdoors. Whatever they wear, your children will benefit from spending
time outdoors. Some research suggests that vitamin D supplements reduce the
risk of infection by 10%, and sunshine can have similar effects.

Practicing good hygiene and eating lots of chicken soup will help your child to avoid
colds or recover faster. Either way, your whole family could have fewer sore throats
and runny noses this winter.

A three-day cleanse for newly postpartum mothers can be a popular option for those looking to jumpstart healthy eating habits and feel rejuvenated after childbirth. However, its usefulness and safety can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances. Here are some key points to consider:
Potential Benefits:

1. Reset Eating Habits: A short cleanse can help reset eating habits and reduce cravings for unhealthy foods.
2. Increased Hydration: Many cleanses emphasize hydration, which is crucial for postpartum recovery and milk production if breastfeeding.
3. Nutrient Boost: A well-designed cleanse can provide a boost of vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables, which can be beneficial for recovery.

Potential Drawbacks:

1. Caloric Restriction: Many cleanses involve low-calorie intake, which can be problematic for energy levels and milk production in breastfeeding mothers.
2. Nutrient Deficiency: Cleanses that exclude certain food groups may not provide all the necessary nutrients required for recovery and breastfeeding.
3. Stress on the Body: The postpartum period is a time for recovery, and a cleanse can sometimes add unnecessary stress to the body.

Important Considerations:

1. Consult Healthcare Provider: It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any cleanse, especially postpartum, to ensure it’s safe and appropriate.
2. Balanced Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
3. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which is particularly important for breastfeeding mothers.
4. Gradual Changes: Rather than a drastic cleanse, making gradual and sustainable dietary changes may be more beneficial in the long term.

Alternative Approaches:

1. Nutritious Snacks: Incorporate nutrient-dense snacks such as nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables into the diet.
2. Small, Frequent Meals: Eating small, frequent meals can help maintain energy levels and support milk production.
3. Postnatal Vitamins: Consider taking postnatal vitamins to ensure adequate nutrient intake.

Overall, while a three-day cleanse might offer some immediate benefits, it’s crucial to prioritize overall health and well-being during the postpartum period. A balanced and nutrient-rich diet, adequate hydration, and professional guidance are key to supporting recovery and maintaining energy levels.

​Need Help Starting? Contact us!
​

We all know the importance of looking after our bodies. We need to live a healthy lifestyle that strengthens both mind and body. But what does this actually look like, and what can you do to ensure that your lifestyle is as healthy as possible?
The notion of overhauling your life in favor of healthier alternatives can feel overwhelming. 

Here are five ways to build a healthy lifestyle: ​
​
Eat Fruits and Vegetables
Changing your diet is one of the key elements of living a healthy lifestyle. This means incorporating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure that you are receiving the right balance of nutrients you need to stay healthy.
Filling your diet with fresh fruit and vegetables will also allow you to enjoy clearer skin, have more energy, and enjoy greater overall health.
Be creative when it comes to getting your fruit and veggies in - the internet is full of exciting recipes to help keep things fresh and delicious.

Stay Hydrated
Our bodies are made up primarily of water, and so it is important to maintain adequate levels of hydration throughout the day. Some of this will come from the water that we drink. According to experts, we should aim for around 8 glasses of water a day to stay healthy.
Carry a water bottle to encourage you to keep sipping throughout the day.

Move Your Body
Physical exercise is also a key ingredient in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This doesn’t have to mean going crazy in the gym. Instead, find a form of exercise that you enjoy, and that you look forward to. This is the secret to ensuring that you stick to your routine, and prevents exercise from feeling like a chore.
Why not join a dance class, go for a run, or head up to a hill for a hike?
No matter what you do, moving your body is the number one goal.

Practice Mindfulness
Taking care of your physical body is important, but you also need to ensure that you are not neglecting your mind. Mindfulness is a way of grounding you in the moment and helping you appreciate and enjoy the world around you. It can also play a key role in alleviating stress and anxiety.
Why not try yoga, practice meditation, or just take a moment to stop and smell the roses?
Your mental health will thank you.

Minimize Stress
One of the most important things that you can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle is to minimize your stress levels. Stress has a negative impact on your mental health and emotions, and it can also impact your physical health.
​Do your best to reduce stress through exercise, meditation, or mindfulness.
If you are really struggling to cope with stress, don’t feel ashamed to seek professional help.
​
Final Thoughts
Enjoying a healthy lifestyle does not have to be difficult. Just a few simple tweaks and adjustments can help you enjoy incredible results. You will enjoy short and long-term benefits for your health, happiness and wellbeing.


​

In our relentlessly busy world, self-care often feels like a distant dream. We juggle careers, families, and social obligations, leaving our well-being on the back burner. This relentless pursuit of achievement fuels a constant state of fatigue, irritability, and a nagging sense of inadequacy. The joy of daily living gets lost in the daily grind.

This imbalance has severe consequences. Strained relationships, decreased productivity, and declining health are just a few. We become susceptible to stress-related illnesses, sacrificing long-term health for short-term gains. The “always on” mentality makes it tough to prioritize self-care, pushing us towards unsustainable quick fixes.

But what if you could thrive in both your personal and professional life?
You can! 
Lets dive deep into Why Do We Struggle With Self-Care?
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Wellness is the natural state of my body.
 
My body and health are pivotal to my overall well-being. I realize that my quality of life is affected by my health. Because of this, I take care of my body and make healthy choices.
 
Wellness is important to me.
 
I choose healthy foods that nourish my body and avoid disturbing my mind. The nutrients I receive from healthy meals provide my body with the essential materials to maintain and heal itself.
 
Eating well is a big part of maximal wellness, but there are other components that are just as crucial.
 
I support my body’s efforts to be healthy by getting sufficient sleep. I aim to sleep for at least seven hours each night. Sleep rejuvenates my body and mind. I look forward to getting the rest my body requires. A full night of rest is a priority for me.

​Exercise is another important component of wellness. I take part in thirty minutes of healthy exercise each day. My body craves exercise. It keeps my muscles toned and supple. My heart and lungs grow stronger with regular exercise.
 
Today, I allow my body to reach a natural state of wellness. I avoid foods or activities that contradict wellness. I allow my body to heal itself. Wellness is the natural state of my body.
 
Self-Reflection Questions:
 

1. How is my current diet interfering with my quest for wellness?
2. What activities do I take part in that are obstacles to health and wellness?
3. What habits am I willing to develop that will move my body toward a state of wellness?

Getting started with meditation is a lot easier than you may think. There isn’t any special equipment you need to buy or classes you should be taking. While buying a book, a guided meditation audio recording or an app for your smartphone are certainly options, you don’t even have to do that to get started. I’ll share everything you need to know to get started meditating right here in this post.
 
Start by getting comfortable in a spot that’s as free of distractions as possible. You want to sit down either on a chair with your feet firmly planted on the ground, or sitting cross-legged on the floor. If you sit on the floor, you’ll be more comfortable if you sit on a cushion. It’s important that you can sit in whatever position you choose comfortably and that you’re keeping your back straight. Slumping may make you sleepy while you meditate, and bad posture may cause you discomfort after a while.
 
Before we start with the actual meditation, let’s get back to distractions. In the beginning, you want to cut as many of them out as possible. Choose a quiet spot where no one will interrupt you. Turn off the ringer on your phone, close the blinds if you think it will help to create a calm and soothing space. You won’t always have to go through all this trouble to meditate because, after a little practice, you’ll be able to do the little meditation exercise I’m about to share with you anytime, anywhere. But like any new skill, meditating can be a little hard in the beginning. It sounds simple enough, but it’s easy to get distracted. That’s why it’s important to set yourself up for success by cutting out any distractions you can.
 
Here’s how to meditate. Sit down, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Notice how the air flows in and out of your nose and mouth. Try to think of nothing else. This is the hard part and something that takes practice. Start meditating for a few minutes here and there and increase the time as you move along. Don’t judge yourself when your thoughts stray.
Keep bringing yourself back to the sensation of the breath anytime you notice that you’re thinking of something else.
 
That’s all there’s to it. Getting started with meditation is simple, but like any new skill, it takes practice. Which is the reason you should have your Moon Cycle Mama Holistic Wellness Journal or Moon Cycle Papa  Wellness Journal near to write how are you feeling, what did you discover about yourself, etc. Throughout the meditation session. Be patient with yourself. Be kind to yourself. Stick with it and keep practicing these new meditation skills. You’ll be glad you did.

Pulling out a tablet is often the easiest thing to do when your child starts to fuss. However, there are alternatives that are safer and more effective in the long run.

You’ve probably heard recommendations about limiting screen time for children, but the context matters as well. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against relying exclusively on media to calm children because it may interfere with their learning how to manage their emotions on their own.

In fact, playing games and watching videos can backfire. Some studies have found that excessive screen time contributes to behavior issues, including hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and difficulties with paying attention.

What can a parent do when kids are bored at home or about to throw a tantrum at the supermarket? Discover how to calm your kids without a screen.

Steps to Take with Your Child

Limiting screen time can be a tough job when you’re surrounded by devices at home and away.

Be prepared with a variety of technology-free responses that you can use:

1. Show empathy. Give your child your full attention when they need to talk with you. If circumstances prevent that, let them know you want to sit down together as soon as possible. Validate their feelings even if you disapprove of their behavior.

2. Let them cry it out. Teach your child that strong emotions are natural. Give them a chance to find their own solutions. They’re likely to settle down faster if you stay calm.
 
3. Arrange playdates. Solitary screen time sometimes crowds out social experiences that are essential to your child’s development. Encourage your child to hang out with friends and participate in after school activities.

4. Assign chores. In addition to teaching responsibility, routine tasks can be soothing. Prepare meals together or assign each child a day to vacuum.

5. Read books. Brain scans show that reading is associated with superior structure in white matter cells responsible for learning. Keep books around the house and use your library card.

6. Go outdoors. Nature and exercise both relieve stress. Take a family bicycle trip or play catch in your backyard.

7. Make crafts. Expressing creativity is another way to relax. Browse online for project ideas and repurpose household materials like fabric and gift-wrapping paper.

8. Encourage mindfulness. Introduce your children to meditation and yoga. Walk around your living room slowly chanting happy words. Do simple stretches and breathing exercises.

9. Enforce bedtimes. Children engaged in excessive screen time tend to go to bed later, fall asleep slower, and get fewer hours of sleep each night, according to The National Sleep Foundation. Set a curfew for turning off electronic devices at least two hours before bedtime.

Steps to Take by Yourself

Your children pay more attention to your actions than your words. Consider how your daily habits affect your children, so you can provide a positive role model.

Try these strategies:
 
1. Interact as much as possible. Your time and attention are the most valuable things you can give to your children. Plan family activities and one-on-one outings. Staying connected will help your child to feel safe and calm.

2. Slow down. What are mornings like at your house? Children are more likely to cooperate when you plan for enough time to avoid rushing around.

3. Design a family plan. Negotiate a media use contract for your family. Agree to basic rules for using electronic devices, so you can make technology your ally.

Nickelodeon and Super Mario can be fine in moderation. However, teaching your children to manage their emotions and entertain themselves offline will prepare them for a healthier and happier life.

Deepen sibling connections with effective strategies. Reach out today!
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