This is a guest post by Jamica Bell.
It’s a busy world we live in, especially at this time of year. From long work hours and rushed meals to buzzing from one activity to the next, taking time out can feel like an impossible task.
However, not making the time for each other can be hugely detrimental to your family relationships. Switching off from the rush of life and other distractions will not only improve your closeness, it can also provide many health benefits. Even families with the craziest lifestyles can “unplug” together in an effort to re-connect.
Why Slow Down?
It improves relationships. By removing some of the distractions of your daily life, your family will be able to communicate and engage with each other on a deeper level. Snatched bits of conversation around a rushed dinner table simply don’t compare to an in-depth, uninterrupted chat with your loved ones.
It reduces stress and health problems. While getting some much-needed relaxation may seem like an indulgence to a busy family, going full speed for too long can result in stress. Not just on the adults, but your children too. School pressures and excess activities can add stress to a child’s life, which often rubs off on the rest of the family.
When you find yourself living at 100 mph, your body copes by releasing extra hormones like cortisol and adrenalin. This hormonal imbalance can lead to depression, weight gain, chronic fatigue and even fertility issues.
5 Ways to Slow Your Family Down
Tearing your family away from the daily grind may take some doing, as it’s easy to get caught up in work and extra activities. Try viewing your “slow down time” as another activity and incorporate it into your family’s schedule. Encourage everyone to always make the date. The more time you spend together “unplugged,” the better things will be.
- Make One Evening a Week Electronic-Free Having a simple family conversation or playing a game together is a connecting family activity, but it’s nearly impossible when glued to a cell phone or watching television. Aim to shut down computers, phones and televisions one night a week to maximize this cherished time together.
- Plan an In-House Family Activity Slowing down doesn’t have to involve an expensive vacation or time away. Select a weekend activity that involves the whole family, such as planting a garden or volunteering together to help a charity in your community.
- Enlist Outside Help Despite your best efforts, sometimes families need extra help when it comes to communicating as a cohesive team. Outside help, such as a life coach, can offer assistance by helping your family focus on what’s important and even assist in developing the best activities to positively impact your relationships.In some cases, a family’s locale can have a huge influence on the frenzied energy in their lives. Cities known for their wild or exciting environment (think Las Vegas) can often breed urban stress on individuals. These families may be more prone to seek help. From Las Vegas to Atlanta, Noomii.com provides listings for life coaches no matter what your goals may be.
- Start A Suggestion Box It’s important that everyone feels like they have a say in family activities and upcoming events. One thing you can do is to start a suggestion box or whiteboard that encourages everyone to contribute one idea a week. The family can then vote on their favorites, scheduling them in as future activities.
- Hit The Nature Trail There’s nothing quite like getting out of the house and enjoying some of what nature has to offer. Every city has parks, playgrounds, wildlife centers, farms or gardens the family can explore. Check out your nearest nature offerings. They’re fun and many are free.
Slowing down and enjoying some relaxing down time together is a great way to reduce stress for your family members and encourage the building of healthy relationships. By planning out your time together like any other activity, you’ll be sure to get the maximum value out of your “slow down time.”
About the Author: Jamica Bell is a blogger and busy mother of seven. Even though she lives in the quiet countryside outside of Atlanta, she understands, all too well, how busy life can get when attempting to maintain a home and meet the needs of a large family.
