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Health

28th Jul 2015

6 EASY ways to boost family wellbeing (and avoid burn-out)

Katie Mythen-Lynch

Life can be a wild ride sometimes. Between the drop-offs and the collections, navigating bath times and cutting the soldiers for the boiled eggs, you can lose track of what’s important.

These little tricks will help ensure your brood (and the various adults in your life) are well taken care of emotionally as well as physically.

1. Make family dinners non-negotiable

At least once or twice a week, ensure the entire family enjoys a meal together. Once everyone’s seated, go around the table and ask everyone to describe the peak and the pit of their day (the highs and lows). This encourages conversation and opening up while keeping everyone informed about what’s going on in each other’s lives.

Family Dinner

2. Be mindful

Mindfulness helps you to appreciate the little moments, so many of which are lost in the whirlwind of school drop-offs and lost PE kits. Take five minutes to clear your mind, let go of any irritation or stress and savour a cup of coffee, a warm scone or a hot shower. Then pay attention to the people and things around you as they’re happening.

3. Plan a date night

At least once a month, make time to remember exactly why it was you fell in love with your other half in the first place. It doesn’t have to be a boozy affair, take off for a lazy lunch together next time the kids are at a party or cook something special at home when they’re gone to bed.

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4. Make ’em laugh

Life is busy. There’s not always time to schedule a giggle, so try and keep things light and fun as you go about your daily routine. It’s easy to find yourself frowning on the school run or stressed on the grocery shop, so be aware of this and change it. A proper laugh leads to the release of endorphins that promote feelings of wellbeing and can even help us manage pain.

5. Get some fresh air (in nature)

Whether it’s a kick-about in the garden after Sunday dinner (get guests involved- they’ll love it) or a morning stroll through the park, spending time in natural environments is proven to improve our mental, physical, psychological and spiritual health. In fact, green and “blue” spaces (rivers, lakes and the seaside) are especially beneficial for healthy aging in seniors, promoting feelings of renewal and restoration. Another reason to invite Granny next time you head for the beach.

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6. Celebrate EVERYTHING

That ‘B’ in maths? Amazing. That medal in athletics? Fantastic. Dad’s promotion at work? Awesome. Celebrating life’s accomplishments is what family is all about. It doesn’t have to be a ticker tape parade for every passed exam, but an acknowledgement at home can help boost self esteem and confidence in adults and children alike. Cheers!

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Topics:

wellbeing