Energetic Juniors

June is Pride Month, and Pride Month reminds us to celebrate exactly who we are without comparison or judgment. Remember that you don’t need to fit into a specific mold! You can honor your individual strengths, listen to your body’s needs, and move in ways that bring you joy every day.

When we teach our kids to respect uniqueness, we also teach them to celebrate the diversity in the world around them. Stand tall, be proud, and remember that you are capable and “enough” EXACTLY as you are.

This (or anytime this weekend!), try checking out your local farmer’s market.

Challenge kids to pick out a new vegetable or a food they’ve never tried before. Walk around and enjoy the sights and then carry your purchases home. This is great “functional strength” work, and the walk there and back means plenty of extra steps as well as some quality family time.

Find some joy in “boring” movement. Not every workout has to beat a personal record or be an epic event. A simple walk around the block can work wonders to reset your energy and help you feel better.

Consistency beats intensity every time!

This delicious veggie provides a solid dose of Vitamin K for bone strength and fiber to keep your digestive system healthy! It also contains inulin, which helps promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria.

Try asparagus roasted with a little lemon and parmesan or chopped into a spring pasta for an extra nutrient boost.

Is there a bridge near where you live with a pedestrian path? Try crossing it this with a goal to keep up a certain level of activity, like jogging or walking briskly, while enjoying the view together! This is an opportunity for some pressure-free movement and bonding time to decompress and discuss the week and your fun weekend plans.

No food is “bad” and no food is “cheating”. Some foods give us long-lasting energy, and some foods are just for joy.

Fruit has sugar in it, but it also has plenty of vitamins, nutrients and fiber. Birthday cake might not have a ton of nutrients, but it still has a place on special occasions to help us celebrate!

Both have a place in a healthy, happy life.

Ask yourself: how does my body feel right now? Sore? Energetic? Hungry? Tired?
Taking a second to just focus on your physical self helps you stay in tune with your body.

This , take an active city walk! Every time you hit a “walk” sign or a green light when it’s safe to cross, power-walk or jog until the next corner. If you hit a red light or a “don’t walk” sign, do some “high knees” or jumping jacks while you wait. It takes a regular walk and turns it into a higher-intensity cardio session that gets everyone’s heart rate up!

When everything’s feeling a little too intense or overwhelming, remember you always have your breath. Start with five deep, slow breaths.

Remembering to focus on your breathing can help to settle your nervous system in just a minute or two so you can go on with your day feeling good!

If your best friend made a mistake, you wouldn’t be mean to them.
Treat yourself with that same kindness when a workout is hard, you’re feeling tired, or you’ve had a rough day. What would you say to a friend in the same situation?