It seems like people are eating more and sleeping less these days. The work day has increased in hours, school is more demanding and competitive for nieces and nephews, and our responsibilities as well as expectations for each day have increased as we enter into this new technological era. Hence, the onset of the obesity and health crisis in the world: too much food and not enough sleep is detrimental to our health and wellness.

It is well established that most people fall off the fitness wagon within a few short weeks of commencing a new exercise routine. Did you know that the most common excuses for not exercising are being tired or not having enough time?

What’s more is these excuses are used by adults and children alike! How can you expect your niece or nephew to go to school all day, learn, interact and then exercise without proper rest? Studies have shown that lack of sleep affects mood, increases stress, and decreases your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. Moreover, in children, the effects of lack of sleep can be life altering; it has been found that too little sleep puts kids at risk for obesity and other health conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular problems.

Want to boost your success at getting fit and staying fit? Then you must plan, prepare and ensure you get enough rest so that you stay motivated and energetic. Before commencing any health or wellness program, schedule your daily sleep of seven hours. Encourage your niece or nephew to do the same. Sleep is essential to their growth, health and well-being. If their schedules are too demanding, encourage them to “catch up” on their rest over the weekend to mitigate some of the effects of weekday sleep deprivation.  

When you sleep, you feel rested both physically and mentally; you feel energetic and healthy. These are the biggest motivators to exercise. So why not plan for some proper rest so you can head out and have a great game of tag or hide-and-seek with your nieces and nephews? The sprinting, laughing and interaction is great exercise for all involved and you will be thankful you are well rested while running around for an hour!

Becky Wenner is the owner of Becky’s Fitness Company and a proud Aunt of five.

Published: February 14, 2011