Whether you are just starting the homeschool journey, or are a seasoned homeschooler, making sure your children are focusing on their learning can be a challenge. It is important for them to retain the information being taught so that they can move forward and meet their academic goals. Here are 5 ideas that will help your kids focus and learn while retaining what you have taught them—and also help you stay sane during those super stressful days! 

Healthy Diet  

Eating healthy meals and snacks is essential to learning and focusing because it gives students the energy they need to pay attention in class. Eating a nutritious breakfast is especially important since it helps set the tone for the day. Include fresh fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains, legumes, nuts & seeds in your student’s diet.  This drink has also made a huge difference for my kids (and me!)

Designated Space  

Having a designated space for your homeschooling activities will help ensure that everyone knows where they should go when it’s time to get down to business. This could be a desk or table set up specifically for studying, or even just an area of the room that has been dedicated solely for learning purposes. A comfortable chair is also key—your student needs to be able to sit comfortably without distractions. 

 

Designated Time  

Just like having a designated space is important, setting aside specific times of day for learning is beneficial too. This helps create structure in your homeschooling routine which can provide both comfort and consistency for your student. Designate certain hours each day for studying and make sure everyone sticks to this schedule!  

Movement  

We all know how kids love to move around! While it may seem counterintuitive, allowing students some time during school hours to get up and move around can actually help them focus on their studies better when they return back to their desk or table. This could include something as simple as stretching exercises or going outside for some fresh air—whatever works best!  (We like full 1/2 hour "recesses")

Incentives  

Everyone loves rewards, especially kids! Having incentives in place can motivate students to stay focused during school time and work hard towards achieving their goals. These incentives could come in many forms such as treats, extra playtime, or even small prizes—anything that will give them an added boost of motivation!  We have a play money incentive set up.  They learn to use money while they are "earning" and "spending" for prizes.

Homeschooling isn’t always easy but with these 5 ideas you can make sure your kids focus on their studies while still having fun in the process! Setting up a healthy diet plan, creating a designated space and time for studying, incorporating movement into the day, and providing incentives are all great ways to help keep everyone on track while staying sane during those stressful days. With these tips under your belt you’ll be able create an environment perfect for learning at home!

Inflammation is a natural process ...

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged state where the body's defense system attacks healthy tissues, causing damage over time...

To reduce chronic inflammation...

Inflammation is a natural response to injury or illness, but it can also signal more serious health issues. It’s crucial for holistic moms to recognize the five key signs of inflammation to maintain their families' well-being. Understanding these symptoms allows for timely intervention and proper care.

...

By identifying these signs, holistic moms can take action to ensure prompt and effective care, helping prevent prolonged inflammation and its complications.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy snack that’s packed full of energy-boosting nutrition, then you’ve come to the right place. Homemade energy balls are a delicious way to get the energy boost we all need throughout the day. With the right ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can whip up a batch of homemade energy balls that will keep you going until dinnertime. Let’s take a look at what it takes to make these tasty treats! 

The first step is to gather your ingredients. You’ll need 1 cup of salted peanut butter (or any nut butter of your choice), 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as cranberries or raisins) and 1/4 cup chopped nuts (or seeds). You can also add some optional extras such as cocoa powder or ground flaxseed for an extra nutritional kick.  Play with this - the possibilities are endless!  

1 cup peanut butter ( or almond butter)

1/2 cup oatmeal

1/4 cup honey (or pure maple syrup)

1/2 cup dried fruit (cranberries or raisins are favorites!)

1/4 cup chopped nuts or seeds (walnuts, almonds, pistachios, or sunflower seeds are great)

1 Tablespoon cocoa powder, cacao nibs, and/or ground flaxseed (optional)

2 Tablespoons toasted coconut to roll the balls in (optional)

Once you have all your ingredients measured out, it’s time to mix them together in a bowl until everything is well combined. Then roll the mixture into small balls about the size of a golf ball. Place these on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate for about an hour before serving. This will help them hold their shape better when served.  

 

These homemade energy balls are best served cold straight out of the refrigerator, but they can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw them before eating if they have been frozen!       

                                              

For a healthy energy boost that doesn't involve caffeine or sugar-packed snacks then why not give homemade energy balls a try? They're quick and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients - peanut butter, oats, dried fruit and nuts - that are packed full of natural goodness. Plus they taste great too! So next time you're feeling sluggish during the day why not whip up a batch of homemade energy balls for yourself? You won't regret it!

Holistic moms know that processed foods aren’t just bad for our waistlines, but also for our health. An important area of focus is inflammation, which has been linked to a variety of chronic illnesses. Let's take a look at what causes inflammation and how processed foods contribute to it. 

Blog Body: 

What is Inflammation? 

Inflammation is the body’s response to an injury, infection or allergy. It’s an important part of the healing process and helps protect us from further damage or infection. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. 

Processed Foods and Inflammation 

Processed foods contain refined grains , added sugar, trans fats, and synthetic ingredients that can cause inflammation in the body. Refined grains are stripped of their fiber and other nutrients during processing, making them higher in calories but lower in nutritional value. Additionally, refined grains stimulate insulin production more than whole grains do—which can lead to weight gain and high blood sugar levels that trigger inflammation. When we indulge in sweets, our bodies break down glucose for energy. This process causes inflammation throughout our bodies, though this inflammation is usually too subtle to notice. In the long run, however, it can contribute to a host of serious health issues—including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Processed foods often contain trans fats (such as hydrogenated oils), artificial sweeteners and additives that all contribute to inflammation in the body as well.  These ingredients are low-cost fillers used by food manufacturers to give food a longer shelf life or enhance flavor—but they come with significant consequences for your health.  

Practical Tips for Avoiding Processed Foods 

The best way to avoid processed foods is by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables instead! Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides your body with the antioxidants it needs to reduce inflammation naturally. Additionally, avoiding sugars (especially added sugars) is one of the most effective ways to reduce inflammation since sugar increases insulin levels which leads to more inflammation. Lastly, try replacing processed snacks with healthier alternatives such as nuts or seeds for a quick dose of healthy fats which will help reduce inflammation even further!  For those who like dips, hummus or other bean dips are fantastic to dip veggies in.  If you are getting healthy nutrients from good whole foods, you won't be snacky and grabbing for the unhealthy options.

Conclusion:                                   

When it comes down to it, reducing consumption of processed foods is important if you want to reduce inflammation in the body over time. With so many healthy options available these days – such as fresh fruits & vegetables – there’s no excuse not make healthier choices! So grab some natural snacks today – your body will thank you tomorrow!