5 health tips to learn from toddlers

We admit it… the title of this article is a little confusing. After all, there is obviously a great of difference between the health needs of a toddler and a full-grown human adult.

But what many people fail to realise is that there are some habits that toddlers have that can help us be healthier. Sounds odd but it’s true. Compiled from The Huffington Post, here are five things to learn from your little ones which will help you stay healthy, well into old age.

Eat in small portions

PHOTO: HUFFINGTON POST

Contrary to what most of us think, one doesn’t need to indulge in a big meal to get full. In fact, you’ll probably feel better if you ate a bit less.

Toddlers don’t typically eat large amounts of food at one time. They actually eat numerous small meals throughout the day – something many experts recommend to people who want to lose weight. Ideally, one should consume six small meals daily, instead of three big ones, and the trick to making that work is to limit the calories in each meal. This way, you’ll feel fuller throughout the day.

Play hard

PHOTO: HUFFINGTON POST

Of course, adults cannot match the same level of energy a child has but if they could find just one physical activity that they enjoy doing, it would go a long way. The hobby could be anything from a sport or a special kind of household chore…whatever it is, make sure it gets you moving.

Laugh more

PHOTO: HUFFINGTON POST

Ever heard of the saying ‘laughter is the best medicine?’ There is some scientific truth to it. As we progress through life, we often lose the ability to laugh every day. Circumstances change and take a toll on our mental and physical well-being, leaving it up to us to combat our demons.

Therefore, it is imperative that you make the conscious effort to think and do things that make you happy. Scientifically speaking, laughter has many benefits on the human body:

1. It increases blood flow and oxygenation of blood

2. Gives the diaphragm and abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg and back muscles a quick workout

3. Reduce certain stress hormones

4. Increases the response of tumor and disease-killing cells such as Gamma-interferon and T-cells

5. Defends against respiratory infections, reducing the frequency of colds

Try new things

PHOTO: HUFFINGTON POST

Imagine you have put an unopened box in front of a toddler. Surely, they won’t wait a second before delving right into it. Children are inquisitive by nature and that’s how they learn.

Again, with age, humans tend to lose this curiosity but there are great benefits of trying something new from time to time. For one, it forces you to face your fears and broaden your horizons. In this way, it helps you grow. It also opens up the possibility for people to learn and enjoy something different.

Staying hydrated

PHOTO: HUFFINGTON POST

In the hullabaloo of all the things we try to squeeze into our days, we often forget to drink water, let alone other healthy fluids. Kids, however, have plenty of water, milk and juices many times through the day.

Drinking fluids is essential to staying healthy and maintaining the different systems in our body. Fluids carry nutrients to your cells, flush bacteria from your bladder and prevent constipation.

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