Boosting brain function
Switching from holiday mode to hitting the books calls for cognition support. There are easy actions that can help to enhance brain health.
- Eat breakfast. Children who eat breakfast perform better academically. Breakfast is also correlated to improved school attendance, physical and emotional wellbeing (reduced mood swings, irritability, and fatigue)[1].
- Herbal hero’s. Supporting your tiny tots growing mind with some herbal love is another no brainer. Super Brahmi 6000 contains BacoMind®, which is a clinically trialled extract of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) for its memory and cognitive supporting properties[2]. It supports cognitive function and memory in children and is suitable to be used in children from 6 years and up.
Beating the butterflies
Managing friendships, academic expectations or changing bodies can instigate feelings of overwhelm, stress or worry. Supporting nervous system health is an important aspect of a successful school year. There are several factors that can nourish their nervous system.
- Manage screen time. We live in a plugged-in world that can be overstimulating to little bodies. Encourage off-screen activities like growing seedlings or microgreens, colouring in etc.
- Get outside. Spending several hours indoors can exacerbate the ‘nature deficit’ that many children experience in this modern age. Time spent outdoors, in greenspace can help to regulate mood and symptoms of stress[3].
- Daily affirmations. Affirmations are quick, short statements anyone can say. For kids, they can help to can enhance resilience and build self-confidence. Some examples include:
- I believe in myself
- I can do hard things
- My best is enough
- Differences make us special[4]
- Supportive supplements. Children’s Calm Care contains a blend of Chamomile, the milk protein Lactium® and magnesium to support nervous system health in children aged 1 to 9. Chamomile is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine as a calmative to soothe and calm nerves and relieve irritability in children.
Bolstering immunity 101
The mixing pot of bugs found in the classroom can cause frequent sickness in a developing immune system. This often causes disruption to the family unit including days off school and carer's off work. Simple measures can help to support their immunity.
- Prioritise sun exposure. 15 minutes of sun exposure in safe hours of the day (early afternoon) can optimise vitamin D biosynthesis. This important vitamin supports healthy immune system function in children and adolescents. For extra support why not try Vitamin D3 1000 Liquid, a delicious pineapple flavoured liquid with flexible dosing options for the whole family.
- Encourage a varied diet. Try and eat the rainbow to increase nutrient intake and therefore immune health. If fussiness is an issue, try and get them involved. For example, selecting their own veggies while shopping, gardening with different foods and cooking. Kids are more likely to eat foods if they are involved in the process of getting it on the plate.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
[1] Yao, J., Liu, Y., & Zhou, S. (2019). Effect of eating breakfast on cognitive development of elementary and middle School students: an empirical study using large-scale provincial survey data. Medical Science Monitor: International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research, 25, 8843–8853.
[2] Usha, P. D., Wassim, P., Joshua, J. A. (2008). BacoMind®: a cognitive enhancer in children requiring individual education programme. Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 3(4), 302-310.
[3] Fyfe-Johnson, A. L., Hazlehurst, M. F., Perrins, S. P., Bratman, G. N., Thomas, R., Garrett, K. A., Hafferty, K. R., Cullaz, T. M., Marcuse, E. K., & Tandon, P. S. (2021). Nature and children's health: a systematic review. Pediatrics, 148(4), e2020049155.
[4] Calm Editorial Team. (2024, April 10). 50 positive affirmations for kids to boost their wellbeing — Calm Blog. Calm Blog. https://blog.calm.com/blog/positive-affirmations-for-kids
