Dear readers and abundance readers,
This week lets dig into our personal lives and talk about our families and the time we spent with them. Spending time with family should not be measured in quantity but in quality. Coming home to a smiling family is antidote enough to a stressed day at work. The best part is that spending time with family is not a task at all. It is a way to nourish and nurture yourself both mentally and emotionally. I belong to a large joint family of 15 members the youngest being a 3 yr old and eldest an 80 yr old. As a rule we meet every Wednesday for dinner and spent 2 to 3 hours together. At the beginning it seemed impossible to have everyone in the same room at the same time each time but over the weeks we are progressing. Non attending members need to inform in advance and under no circumstances can this be rescheduled. I have laid down some rules in general to make this workable.
Ways in which you can connect with your family
- Schedule a time and day of the week
- Keep all digital media on switched off mode
- Try to connect rather than correct
- Make open ended conversations
- Engage in activities making sure every member of the family in felt included
- Avoid discussing work or politics or any topic which does not include all family members
- Plan off site meetings or picnics once in 3 months to break the monotony
- Appreciate and praise each other, we all crave for love
- Surprise everyone with a special treat sometime
- Smile and participate
Health Benefits of Spending Time with Family
Improves Mental Health
When we spend time with family—especially face-to-face communication, as opposed to digital—it significantly reduces the occurrence of depression, anxiety, and other mental illness. Being physically present with loved ones creates a strong emotional support to buoy you up through life’s challenges.
Helps Children Perform Well Academically
On average, kids who are spending time with family, tend to do better in school. They learn communication skills and the importance of education. When needed, assisting with assignments or new concepts reinforces the fact that their success is important to you. Even just asking about their day and what they’re learning will show your children how much you care.
Lowers Risk Of Behavioral Problems
Children who are spending time with their family have shown less risk of behavioral issues, such as violence and substance abuse. When they receive positive attention for positive behaviors, it increases their desire to continue those healthy patterns. Being with family and doing activities together also provides an outlet for pent-up emotions that could otherwise lead to unhealthy decisions. Family is so important when it comes to a child (or teenager) bringing problems to you, because your advice can allow them to become better equipped to cope with problems and make positive choices.
Boosts Self-Confidence
Spending time with family builds confidence for all of its members. Parents can teach children to build self-esteem through specific skills such as problem solving and communication. They can also model the ability to love oneself without degrading others. For parents and children, confidence grows simply with the knowledge that they are valued and appreciated by their loved ones.
Helps Kids Learn Future Parenting Skills
The memories you create together will instill in children a desire to foster that same loving atmosphere in their own future homes. Family is so important because, through your example, your kids learn important caregiving skills that they can use one day. They may even practice now by copying your behaviors when they interact with siblings.
Teaches Effective Conflict Resolution
When we spend time with family it is fun, but it can be difficult, too. When conflicts arise, you can’t just walk away for good. You’re in this together, so you have to work together to solve the issues that come up. Spending time with family teaches interpersonal communication skills including healthy, constructive ways to discuss, debate, and solve problems.
Reduces Stress
Those with strong family healthy relationships tend to seek out healthier coping mechanisms for stress—such as confiding in friends and family—instead of other unhealthy outlets. This establishes a habit of talking through problems together to relieve stress and find effective solutions.
Stress also significantly affects aspects of physical health, such as fatigue, blood pressure, and heart health. When people discussed hardships in their lives with a friend beside them (instead of alone), they had lowered pulse and blood pressure readings.
Promotes Adaptability And Resilience
Your ability to face life’s changes and challenges is greatly improved by a strong family bond. Being with family gives you the feeling of knowing that you belong, you are cared for, and you are needed, which gives a sense of meaning and purpose. This assurance gives motivation to push forward, grow, and succeed.
Enhances Physical Health
With the right kind of activities, spending time with family can positively impact physical well-being. For instance, families who eat home-cooked meals together tend to have a better diet than those who don’t. Participating in outdoor activities like sports games, hikes, or gardening together helps to improve fitness. There’s even evidence that time with family can boost the effects of exercise and other healthy habits. It improves heart, brain, hormonal, and immune health. Being with family can also encourage one another to maintain healthy lifestyles.
Lengthens Life Expectancy
Healthy relationships could increase your lifespan up to 50%. Combine all the physical and mental health benefits discussed above, and you can see why family time has been linked to living a longer, healthier, happier life. Even those with unhealthy physical habits, but a strong social network live longer than those without these relationships.
Hope this gives you enough motivation to connect and share you love with your family members. Remember in giving we receive.
Happiness and sunshine
Niddhi
Sunnies My Bunnies:) 