still remember my very first day of homeschool. I put on my tiny backpack, grasped my pink tin lunchbox, and turned the corner to walk up the stairs to our bonus-room-turned-schoolroom. I stopped in wonder. My mom had strung colorful streamers above the stairs, fluttering in the air conditioning. I cheered alongside my parents as I stepped into my new role as a student. Little did I know that my homeschool journey would make me a lifelong learner and give me the tools to tackle arts and sports extracurriculars, graduate salutatorian of my high school, and put me on the path to becoming a published writer.

Some of my earliest memories are of exploring our large backyard. Armed with a ball cap, a flashlight, and a wonder-seeking mindset, I struck out to investigate our trees and wooden play set. After my mini-adventures, I would often come inside to a “smiley-face” sandwich or a veggie plate that Mom had lovingly prepared. This combination of exercise and good food made with love solidified my foundation for a healthy lifestyle.

When we weren’t studying, my sister and I would often run around outside or swim, as well as participate in extracurricular activities such as ballet or horseback riding. My parents love the great outdoors and grew up playing sports; they made sure to encourage us to do the same. A long-running study at the Boston Children’s Hospital found that preteens engaged in an hour of activity multiple times a week had increased levels of memory, attention, decision-making, and executive control. Not only does being active make kids stronger, but it also helps lay the foundations for their brains to become smarter.

I enjoyed watching movies and shows growing up, and learning from the characters how to (or how not to) face the challenges and triumphs of life. This analysis would often happen alongside my parents who through these discussions shaped our ideas of philosophy, ethics, and storytelling. Alongside an education that emphasized the liberal arts, these discussions helped me learn how to think and how to interact with the world.

Mental health is equal parts good thinking and physical health. Practices such as developing critical and creative thinking skills are crucial to children’s success today and for the rest of their lives, but taking care of themselves physically can affect their mental health. Healthy food and rest do wonders for keeping our kids smart and mentally strong. According to Harvard Health, some foods that research indicates contribute to brain health are berries, green leafy vegetables, fatty fish, tea, coffee, and walnuts.

Encourage your kids to think about how the food they eat impacts their bodies, and which foods encourage an active lifestyle. All that activity, however, needs to be accompanied by rest. Research has shown that getting adequate amounts of sleep helps prevent depression and other mental health issues, increases focus, and improves mood. Explaining the importance of sleep can help you get your kids to bed, and having a bedtime routine to prepare them to sleep—even if it just consists of a five-minute story or prayer—can help them look forward to ending their day cozily. After all, who wouldn’t want to improve their brain function by relaxing?

Physical and mental health are direct results of people’s spiritual health. Their sense of higher purpose is what drives them to achieve great and good deeds or lack thereof. As a Christian, I find that prayer/meditation, an attitude of gratitude, and community have best helped me grow in my walk with the Lord, which includes taking care of the body He has given me. Setting aside time—even if it’s just a few seconds—to connect with a God who loves me reminds me of what’s truly important in life. Making note of what I’m grateful for each day, even when my outlook is gloomy, has helped me to look beyond my own reactions and see what gifts the Lord has given me that day. These practices were modeled by my parents from an early age, and being in church with other people getting to know God better encourages me to do the same.

Children imitate what they live around, so if you want to teach your children what you believe to be true, show them how faith is worked out in your life. Pray with them, and explore answers to their questions about God together. Ask what they’re thankful for that day, and encourage them to take ownership of their faith and live it out every day.

These practices remind me of Azure Standard’s main core value: “inspire healthy and abundant living.” Abundant living means to live with an attitude of constant growth. Parents exemplify adult life for their children through the food they eat and the way they live; if they operate with a growth mindset and an active, nourished lifestyle, their children will be well-equipped for success throughout their lives.