The Parenting Diaries: The mindbodygreen Guide to Everyday Immunity Support

In today’s world of packed schedules and demanding to-do lists, keeping the whole family thriving is no small feat. In our new series The Parenting Diaries, we’re taking a peek at how parents get it done. For our first installment, mindbodygreen’s co-founders and co-CEOs Jason and Colleen Wachob are sharing their strategies for supporting overall immune health. Made in partnership with Florida Orange Juice. 

Running mindbodygreen while raising two active daughters means our days are full. School drop-offs, extracurriculars, work commitments, family dinners, weekend outings—the pace rarely slows. 

We’re lucky that we live in Miami, a place that allows us to spend more time outside in nature year-round, soak up the sunshine, and connect with families who are as passionate about health and wellness as we are.

After more than a decade immersed in the science of well-being, we’ve learned that resilient families aren’t built on perfection. They’re built on daily rituals that support us physically and emotionally.

As any parent knows, mornings can quickly spiral into chaos. We’ve always believed that mornings set the tone for everything that follows. When we start the day grounded and nourished, the whole household runs more smoothly.

So while every morning looks slightly different, we try our best to create a consistent morning routine we can all rely on. 

Early sunlight is non-negotiable in our house. Research shows that just a few minutes of morning light helps anchor our circadian rhythm, improves our sleep quality, and keeps everyone’s mood brighter throughout the day.

So as a family, we always prioritize time outdoors in the a.m., whether that’s a quick outdoor walk, school drop-off stroll, or park playtime. Of course, a leisurely outing isn’t always possible (an understatement!), but we at least try to let the natural light flood our home as much as possible—creating a bright environment full of the Miami sunshine. 

Through our years and years of research, one theme consistently shows up: exercise is vital for longevity and overall health. We’ve also learned that the key isn’t intensity—it’s consistency. Bodies that move regularly tend to stay stronger, more energized, and more resilient.

For our active girls, we want to instill the idea that movement is a gift, not a chore. 

First and foremost, we model that in our own lives. We make sure to build in movement organically—from rucking walks with friends to family trips to the playground. By seeing how joyful it feels to move and feel strong in our bodies, we hope we’re showing them how to build lifelong healthy habits. 

Meals together are one of the most protective rituals for family well-being. It’s shown to have several emotional and physiological benefits, including reduced stress, stronger family bonds, and mindful eating patterns.

The final habit of our day is always gratitude. It’s simple, it’s grounding, and it creates a sense of calm that carries us into the evening.

Interestingly, gratitude has been connected to lower stress hormones, improved emotional regulation, and better sleep—all of which support healthier immune function. The mind-body connection is real, and we see it play out in our home every day.

We often think more about our immune health during the cold and flu season, especially when we start to feel a cold coming on. But, our immune system is constantly working to keep us healthy, not just during the winter months. 

By building simple, consistent habits, like including vitamin C-rich foods and drinks, you can help keep your immune system strong throughout the year and feel more prepared when cold and flu season rolls around.