A recent study found that when parents feel appreciated by their partners and children, they report better mental health, lower stress, and stronger relationships.

Gratitude in the home, like saying “thank you” when your partner unloads the dishwasher or mows the lawn, was linked to greater relationship satisfaction and less parenting burnout.

Interestingly, mothers especially benefited from hearing appreciation from their kids, highlighting how even small moments of gratitude can have a big emotional impact.

Source: Barton & Gong, 2024

Interested in intuitive eating, but not sure where to start? Here are 10 tips to get started

Empower yourself by rejecting the diet mentality. Changing how you think about food enables you to take control of your eating habits and foster a positive relationship with food. Instead of fixating on weight loss, focus on nourishing your body.

Recognize your hunger. Pay attention to your body's signs of hunger, such as stomach growling, tiredness, or headaches. When you start to feel hungry, eat something nutritious. Eat slowly, savor each bite, pay attention to your hunger, and stop when satisfied.

Embrace food freedom and liberate yourself from food restrictions. Permit yourself to enjoy all foods, and avoid labeling food as “good” or “bad.” When you release these constraints and permit yourself to enjoy food, you're less likely to overindulge later.

Challenge the 'food police' with self-compassion. The 'food police' is that critical voice in your head that judges your food choices, often labeling some foods as 'good' and others as 'bad.' Challenge these thoughts with kindness and remind yourself that all foods are acceptable in moderation.

Feel your fullness. Pay attention to your body's signals of fullness. These can include feeling satisfied, having a full stomach, or having a decreased appetite. Stop eating when you're comfortably full, even if there's food left on your plate.

Discover the joy of eating. Choose foods that you love and that make you feel good. Eating foods that bring you joy makes you less likely to overeat.

Cope with your feelings without using food. Food is not a cure for boredom, stress, or other emotions. Find healthy ways to cope with your feelings, such as exercise, journaling, or talking to a friend. These activities can help you address your emotions without turning to food.

Respect your body's natural size and shape. Don't go on a diet to try to change your body. Focus on loving and appreciating your body for all that it does.

Exercise for enjoyment and feel the difference it makes. Find a way to move your body that brings you joy. Exercise can help you feel positive about yourself and your body and regulate your appetite.

Honor your health with 'gentle nutrition.' This principle of intuitive eating encourages you to make small changes to your diet to improve your health. Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while allowing yourself to enjoy treats in moderation. This approach to nutrition is about balance and enjoyment, not strict rules or deprivation.

Sources: [1], [2]