My kids don’t always practice yoga poses with me, but they see my husband and I practice quite a bit. Slowly, over time, they’ve started to take an interest of their own and see the benefits not only physically, but mentally as well.

We know we’re supposed to teach our kids things like reading, how to tie their shoes, and eat healthy foods.  But what can escape us is teaching our kiddos the importance of routine, and incorporating time for self-care in to that routine.  

Routines are important—they provide us comfort in knowing what’s next, they can establish good habits, and its a way for us to make sure that we aren’t forgetting anything during the course of the day.  

Self-care is important, too.  Self-care doesn’t only mean going to the spa for a massage or a pedicure.  Self-care also includes things like quality sleep, brushing your teeth, and taking time to meditate or move your body.  Incorporating self-care into your daily routine can bring about stress resiliency, better health, and improved outlook on life.

How often have you said or heard someone say, “I don’t have time for that?” In response to the suggestion to exercise or stretch?  What they’re really saying is, “I don’t see it as important to invest in my physical and mental health now so I don’t suffer down the road.”  Finding reasons to avoid self-care is something that is plaguing our modern society, especially during quarantine.  

Just as you can’t take care of someone or something while you’re in the dentist’s chair because you didn’t brush your teeth and eat healthily, you can’t take care of others if you’re injured or limited by your physical body.  We must shift our attitude towards things like brushing our teeth or working out from one of “Ugh, let’s get this over with.” to “I’m taking this time to take care of ME, so that I can better-serve those around me.” 

Here are my tips on incorporating self-care into your routine:

• Start small, but start.  Maybe it’s three rounds of sun salutations right when you wake up.  Maybe it’s choosing to drink more water instead of other drinks throughout the day.  Maybe it’s going to bed 10 minutes earlier than you would otherwise.  These small things seem small, but can lead to HUGE impact over time.

• Make it a family activity.  My kids enjoy practicing yoga with us rather than doing it on their own.  It’s always fun to turn things into playful contests to see who can hold an asana for the longest time, or who can drink the most bottles of water by day’s end.  It keeps everyone motivated and having fun.

• Don’t try to take on a whole bunch of new ways of self-care all at once.  Start with one, and when you’re ready, add another.

Our kiddos will see the importance we place on self-care in our daily routine, and over time, incorporate it into theirs—which means that they will have the skills to be resilient to stress, not just manage it.  They will lead healthier lives with more optimistic attitudes about themselves and the lives they lead.  And in the end, that’s the goal, isn’t it?  To raise kids who are able to be their best selves and live a life of joy?  I know it is for me.