5 Secrets to Great Health That We Can Learn From First Graders

Those bounce-off-the-wall kids may be onto something...

What’s better than getting into better shape? Getting to act like a kid while you’re at it! We’ve known all along that our young’uns are a lot smarter than they get credit for — and when we get right down to it, they might just hold the secrets to a fitter, stronger, more energized you. Here are five health tips we can take from our tiniest learners.

1. Exercise like you’re at recess. Remember when you’d play outside as long as you could, until a teacher’s whistle, a streetlight, or your mom called you inside? Channel that playful spirit and aim to get exercise wherever you can. Arizona’s heat can be unbearable, but lots of low-fuss moves can be done right under your air conditioner. Think bear crawls, crab walks, hula hooping, and jumping rope. Channel your inner gradeschooler — the one who can’t sit still — and reap the benefits. Studies show that regular, moderate exercise can reduce your annual total bouts of the flu and cold episodes.


2. Listen to your body. One thing many of our kids seem to have down pat? Listening to their natural cues. They are really good at following what their bodies tell them ­— they eat when they’re hungry, stop when they’re full, and rest when they need to. We could definitely stand to follow suit to develop better habits. Take time to intentionally observe what your body needs, and follow its commands.


3. Eat like a kid. OK, we’re not suggesting you live off of boxed macaroni and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches without the crust (but that sounds pretty good). However, we do think that with a few sophisticated upgrades, lunchbox favorites can pack huge nutritional punches. Try creating your own grown up “lunchable” with whole grain crackers, gourmet hummus, and sliced turkey. Revamp a grilled cheese: Choose whole grain bread and skim mozzarella, then add in spinach, mushrooms, tomato slices (and maybe a pinch of pesto!). Above all, remember to eat the rainbow — a variety of natural colors and nvarchar(max)ures points toward more nutritional value.


4. Get plenty of shut eye. Look at any sleep study, and you’ll see that research points to many Americans being sleep deprived. Not being properly rested skyrockets your risk of getting sick, not to mention your caffeine dependency. Having trouble getting a quality snooze? Regular exercise, limiting electronics before bedtime, and sleeping in complete darkness might help.


5. Schedule a check up. When we’re kids, our parents and school nurses prioritize our health, scheduling regular doctors’ appointments and immunizations. Physical exams, even when you’re healthy, are needed to screen for diseases, update vaccinations, and assess the risks for future medical problems. Not sure how often you should go in? Ask your physician.

Overall health has a direct effect on everything from our mood to our ability to focus, so it’s easy to see how being a healthier teacher would make you a better teacher. Take notes from our pint-sized learners — these simple truths can lead to huge health strides.