1. Set Bedtimes
Kids need more than 8 hours of sleep to stay focused and alert. Lack of sleep lowers the immune system and causes grumpiness and brain fog. To make it easier on the kids to switch to an earlier schedule, try changing bedtimes gradually by sending them to bed a little earlier each night before school starts. Stick to the routine to make getting up and ready in the morning a much more pleasant experience for everyone.
2. Healthy Food
Store-bought, pre-made foods are the quick and convenient way to make lunch for the kids, but these processed foods can lower the immune system and cause hyperactivity and fatigue. Stock up on fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Take some time in the week to pre-cut veggies and fruit and boil some eggs. Switch out that white bread for a quality whole-grain bread, and use a lean protein such as turkey or tuna for sandwiches.
3. Good Hygiene
Classrooms are a breeding ground for germs. Teach your kids to wash their hands before eating snacks or lunch and after using the restroom. Also, urge them not to share food or drinks with other kids. Provide your children with these DIY Sanitizing Wipes to use in case they can’t always get to a sink.
4. Stress Management
Starting a new year of school with a new teacher and new curriculum can be stressful. Stress can lead to a variety of health issues, like insomnia and a compromised immune system. Talking to your children about their day and how they are feeling can help them manage their stress. Simplify. Do not overload your child’s schedule with activities. It’s important to make time to relax, play, and spend time as a family.
5. Essential Oils
Essential oils can help with all of the above. Many essential oils are antimicrobial and promote well-being and a healthy immune system.
Encourage restful sleep by diffusing these by the kids’ bedside:
- Lavender
- Vetiver
- Roman Chamomile
- Ylang Ylang
- Bergamot
- Sandalwood
- Marjoram
- Cedarwood
Add essential oils to foods so that you can further enjoy their health benefits. Explore recipes that implement the use of essential oils. The following essential oils are commonly used in cooking:
- Lime
- Lemon
- Cinnamon
- Cardamom
- Oregano
- Clove
- Orange
- Thyme
Use these essential oils in cleaning and sanitizing to cut down on exposure to germs:
- Thyme
- Mountain Savory
- Tea Tree
- Cinnamon Bark
- Lemongrass
- Peppermint
- Oregano
- Clove
- Rose
- Cedarwood
- Eucalyptus
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Marjoram
- Valerian
Essential oils that help alleviate anxiety and promote concentration and alertness can be diffused at home or sprinkled on a cloth that the kids can take with them to school.
- Lavender
- Clary Sage
- Bergamot
- Basil
- Chamomile
- Tangerine
- Lemon
- Jasmine
- Vetiver
- Cedarwood