Author: Vd. Muskan Abedin

As the school bells begin to chime and children gear up to trade summer adventures for classroom learning, all parents know that there's more to getting ready for school than just new supplies. Ensuring your household’s health and well-being during this transition is just as important as stocking up on fresh notebooks and the coolest backpack and here’s how you can do it.

1) Establish a Healthy Routine

Set up a well-rounded schedule that includes study, play, and rest to ensure overall well-being. 

• Balanced Diet: Make sure your family’s diet is packed with a rainbow of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and proteins. You can also consider incorporating specific herbs to give them an extra boost.
• Regular Exercise: Encourage your family to engage in physical activities regularly to keep their body and mind fit and healthy.
• Adequate Sleep: Establish a soothing bedtime routine to ensure your children get enough rest, as quality sleep is crucial for growth and cognitive function. 

2) Incorporate Ayurvedic Herbs such as Brahmi, Tulsi, and Amla

In the realm of Ayurveda, certain herbs are revered for their profound benefits for overall health and wellness. Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri), Tulsi (Holy Basil), and Amla (Indian Gooseberry) are three such herbs that have been traditionally used to support the health and development of children. These herbs offer a range of benefits, from enhancing memory and cognitive function to supporting the immune system and promoting digestive health.

Brahmi: Clear and Focused Mind

Brahmi, also known as Bacopa Monnieri, is celebrated in Ayurveda for its ability to enhance memory function. It's often referred to as a tonic, improving memory, concentration, and learning ability. For students, especially those facing the demands of schoolwork, Brahmi can be an excellent ally.

How to Use: Enjoy Brahmi Powder by stirring it into warm milk or blending it with honey for a delightful, nourishing boost. A Brahmi Head Oil massage can also help with concentration and alertness. 

Tulsi: The Immunity Warrior

Tulsi, or Holy Basil, is often called the "Queen of Herbs" in Ayurveda. It is known to assist immunity and its ability to aid cough and colds, which are common during the school year.

How to Use: A warm cup of Tulsi tea in the morning or evening can be beneficial and soothing.

Amla & Chyavanprash: The Nutrient Powerhouse

Amla, also known as Indian Gooseberry, is a rich source of Vitamin. On the other hand, Chyavanprash, of which Amla is a main ingredient, is a mix of 45+ herbs that can assist in boosting immunity, improves digestion, and supports overall health. 

How to Use: Maybe taken as a capsule or in powder form mixed in drinks or smoothies. While Chyavanprash can be used as a spread for your children’s sandwich or take a spoonful a day with warm milk.

3) Plan your Meals

Feeling unsure about what to cook? Reduce back-to-school stress by planning a week or two of meals in advance. This way, you'll have a clear grocery list and save time by not having to decide what's for lunch and dinner each day. Be sure to involve your children and ask them what they'd like to eat for the week! To help you out, here are some menu ideas:

• Butternut Squash & Turmeric Quesadilla: Whole wheat tortilla filled with roasted butternut squash, spinach, and a dash of turmeric, melted together with ghee and cheese. Serve with a side of apple chutney.
• Carrot & Lentil Soup with Whole Grain Chapati: A warming lentil soup made with seasonal carrots, celery, ginger, and turmeric, served with whole grain chapati for a grounding meal.

Quinoa & Veggie Bowl: Quinoa topped with steamed broccoli, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a dollop of hummus.

Sample Recipe: Mung Dal Chilla (Savory Pancakes)

Mung dal chillas are protein-rich, easy to digest, and can be loaded with vegetables for added nutrition.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup split yellow mung dal (soaked for 2-3 hours)
• 1/2 cup grated zucchini
• 1/2 cup finely chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• Ghee or oil for cooking

Instructions:

• Drain the soaked mung dal and blend it with water to form a smooth batter.
• Add grated zucchini, chopped tomatoes, onions, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, and salt to the batter.
• Heat a non-stick pan and pour a ladle of batter onto it, spreading it out like a pancake.
• Cook the chilla with a little ghee or oil until golden brown on both sides.
• Serve with chutney or yogurt in your child's lunchbox.

4) Shower yourself with Self-Care

As a parent, it's easy to forget about your own needs while taking care of everyone else. But remember, your well-being is just as important. To keep stress in check, start using Stressnil—our Ayurvedic remedy for anxiety and insomnia. Treat yourself to an Abhyanga self-massage with Vata Oil to soothe your mind and nourish your body. 

Take a moment for yourself this season; you deserve it!

 

What are your go-to methods for keeping your family healthy during the school year? Share your tips in the comments below and join the conversation!