The Blog

Building Healthier Futures through Holistic Wellness 

The Surgeon General’s recent call to better support parents and caregivers highlights the growing need to address the overall health of caregivers. While mental health remains a critical aspect, it’s equally important to consider holistic wellness, including physical activity, preventive care, and lifestyle management, to help parents live long, healthy lives for themselves and their families. 

At It’s Time Texas, we believe in equipping caregivers with accessible tools that promote holistic wellness, reduce stress, and create lasting healthy habits for their families. Through programs like Stronger Texas Fitness & Nutrition Classes and Health Coaching , we are helping build a healthier Texas by focusing on both immediate and long-term health outcomes for caregivers. 

The Importance of Stress Reduction and Holistic Wellness

Undoubtedly, caregivers face unique challenges that often take a toll on their overall health. Chronic stress can lead to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and a weakened immune system (American Psychological Association, 2015). Integrating physical activity, balanced nutrition, and preventive care into daily routines can help mitigate these risks and improve longevity and quality of life (Warburton, Nicol, & Bredin, 2006). 

Equally important is exercise, which plays a critical role in reducing stress hormones such as cortisol while boosting endorphins, which improve mood and promote well-being (Jackson, 2013). For parents and caregivers, engaging in regular physical activity not only helps manage caregiving-related stress but also sets a healthy example for their children. Research indicates that children raised in households prioritizing physical wellness are more likely to adopt these healthy habits themselves (Jago et al., 2011). 

Living Long, Healthy Lives for Future Generations

One of the greatest gifts caregivers can give their children is the gift of time—being present as they grow. Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and focusing on preventive health measures are all linked to living longer, healthier lives (Lee et al., 2012). This ensures that parents can support their children through various stages of life. 

Additionally, health behaviors are often passed from one generation to the next. Parents who engage in regular exercise and maintain healthy eating habits tend to have children who adopt similar practices, creating a lasting legacy of wellness (McMurray & Harrell, 2008). At It’s Time Texas, we design our programs with this long-term vision in mind. Our Stronger Texas Fitness & Nutrition Classes offer caregivers a flexible way to incorporate fitness into their lives, no matter how busy their schedules may be. Our Health Coaching provides personalized guidance on maintaining holistic wellness, empowering caregivers to model healthy behaviors for their families.  

Community-Driven Solutions for Caregiver Health

Furthermore, communities play a crucial role in supporting the holistic wellness of caregivers. Accessible wellness programs, fitness challenges, and telehealth services provide caregivers with the tools they need to manage their health, reduce stress, and live long, healthy lives. 

At It’s Time Texas, we offer free statewide virtual fitness and nutrition classes, as well as health coaching. These services are designed to fit the demanding schedules of caregivers, allowing them to prioritize their health while still fulfilling their caregiving responsibilities. Through initiatives like these, we ensure that caregivers across Texas have the support they need to thrive. 

Join us!

Ultimately, the Surgeon General’s message is clear: caregivers need support, and that support extends to their holistic well-being. At It’s Time Texas, we are committed to building a healthier future for Texas by empowering caregivers to live long, healthy lives and pass on those habits to future generations. Through programs like Stronger Texas Fitness & Nutrition Classes and health coaching, we offer the tools necessary to reduce stress, stay active, and build a legacy of wellness. 

References: 

American Psychological Association. (2015). Stress effects on the body. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress-body 

Jackson, E. M. (2013). Stress relief: The role of exercise in stress management. ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal, 17(3), 14-19. https://journals.lww.com/acsm-healthfitness/pages/default.aspx 

Jago, R., Davison, K. K., Brockman, R., Page, A. S., Thompson, J. L., & Fox, K. R. (2011). Parenting styles, parenting practices, and physical activity in 10- to 11-year olds. Preventive Medicine, 52(1), 44-47. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3025352/ 

Lee, I. M., Shiroma, E. J., Lobelo, F., Puska, P., Blair, S. N., & Katzmarzyk, P. T. (2012). Effect of physical inactivity on major non-communicable diseases worldwide: An analysis of burden of disease and life expectancy. Lancet, 380(9838), 219-229. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22818936/ 

McMurray, R. G., & Harrell, J. S. (2008). Family and environmental influences on physical activity in children and adolescents. Sports Medicine, 37(10), 917-930. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(12)61031-9/abstract 

Warburton, D. E., Nicol, C. W., & Bredin, S. S. (2006). Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. CMAJ, 174(6), 801-809. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1402378/