In todays fast-paced world, it's more important than ever to teach children how to practice self-care as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Self-care is anything you do to take care of yourself so you can stay physically, mentally, and emotionally well.

Children who learn healthy habits such as setting aside time for themselves, exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, getting plenty of rest, and drinking plenty of water are likely to feel more relaxed, in control, and balanced as a result.

Also, studies have shown that being kind to yourself means you're more likely to be kind to others.  This is because doing kind things to yourself sends positive, rewarding signals to your brain, promoting both your physical and psychological well-being.

What can children do to be kind to themselves?

• Speaking kindly to oneself
• Gratitude Practice
• Being Kind To Others
• Mindfulness Practice
• Self-care is Important

Self-care can be as simple as taking a few moments each day to slow down and enjoy the moment. These activities can help children relax and refocus as well as build their self-esteem and confidence.

It has been proven that instilling self-care habits at a young age can help children cope with future life stressors by giving them the skills necessary to cope with stressful and overwhelming emotions and to manage their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.  Building lifelong healthy habits.

Despite the fact that it can sometimes seem difficult, it is important to model self-care behavior for children. Kids often learn more from what their parents do than what they say. Spending time with your children while performing self-care activities is also a great way to gain quality time together.

These are a few suggestions for self-care activities:

Exercise: Get your children moving by taking them for a walk in nature, riding their bikes, or doing a few jumping jacks.

Being Creative: You can relieve stress/anxiety by painting (try painting on leaves or rocks), coloring and drawing.

Play music: Music can be calming and uplifting. Create a playlist of your child’s' favorite songs and encourage them to listen and dance.

Journal: Your children can express themselves and process their emotions by writing down their thoughts and feelings in a journal.

Get Enough Sleep:  Ensure your children get enough sleep. A good night's sleep will help them feel refreshed and ready for whatever comes their way.

Body and skin health: Create a bedtime routine that includes children washing their face and moisturising; creating a sense of calm. 

Take a Break: Allow your kids take a break from their day-to-day activities. Let them watch a movie or read a book that they enjoy.

Remember to start small.

When it comes to encouraging kids to explore self-care on their own, consider their age and developmental level. The best self-care habits for kids are those that can be practiced regularly, provide relief from stress, and support the maintenance of a healthy body and mind.