There are some really simple steps you can take to boost your family's health and happiness. Often it's the little things that can really make a big difference to your life.
Here are top tips to help you and your family make the most of your life and improve your wellbeing:
Have fun
It sounds simple, but stop and think: when was the last time you had fun together? Let down your hair and do something silly as a family. Sit down and ask everyone for ideas, write them all down - and start working your way through the list.Eat together
One of the most important things we can do as a family, is often one that many of us neglect. The family meal is no longer a regular event in most families but it's a vital part of bonding. Set regular meal times, even if it's only a couple of nights a week. Sitting down together, enjoying a meal and chatting is vital.Exercise together
Fit families are happy and healthy families. Go out on a family bike ride, run around the park together, play tennis together - find something you love, and do it together.Cook as a family
Whether it's whipping up a batch of cupcakes, tossing a salad or making dinner together, cooking is a great way to instil healthy food values in your children and help them learn valuable life skills.Praise positive behaviour
Often we are so busy correcting bad behaviour that the good stuff goes unnoticed. Take the time to notice, comment on and reward good behaviour - in children AND spouses.Read together
Every night should be family reading night. When they're young, read to your children at bedtime, but, as they get older - they can start to read to you. But don't just save bedtime for book time. Make reading together a pleasurable pastime.Say thank you
Don't take each other for granted - when someone does something nice look them in the eye, smile and say "Thank you". A simple acknowledgement that you appreciate what someone has done benefits everyone.Love each other
It's often said that the best thing that parents can do for their children is love each other and that's true. Having happy role models who genuinely like and admire each other models positive behaviour for children's future relationships. So make sure your children see their parents be kind and affectionate to each other - regularly.Laugh together
You've heard that laughter is the best medicine - and it's true! Laughter has a range of benefits for our health and well being. So do what it takes to have a laugh. Family joke night, watch a comedy together - or classic funny cartoons such as Tom and Jerry. Just do what it takes to have a giggle or a laugh together.Get outdoors
The best mood-buster is to get outdoors. Getting out helps your body get some much-needed vitamin D - and is essential for mood-maintenance. Go for a walk, a picnic in the park, a swim or just go lie on the grass gazing up at the clouds.Do something selfless
Random acts of kindness make everyone feel better - the giver and the receiver. Random acts of kindness don't need to be big, in fact sometimes the smaller the better. Why not try:- tell a stranger who looks fabulous that they look fabulous!
- buy a bunch of flowers for a friend.
- choose a charity and make a spontaneous donation.
Sing and dance together
Pop on some music and sing and dance up a storm. You don't have to sing in tune - just out loud! And dance like nobody's watching, too. This is a great form of exercise AND it'll get you smiling in no time. Watching your children bust out moves is a great mood-elevator - and you can show them some of your moves, too.Stop! Cuddle time
Is there anything better than a really good cuddle? Whether it's snuggling together in bed before getting up for the day, a great big bear hug - or just for no good reason - a cuddle says "I love you". Cuddling also releases the feel-good hormone oxytocin - so it does actually make you feel better.Be kind
Before saying anything to anyone think "Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?" Be kind to your family, your friends, and, most importantly - yourself.How to be kind:
- be a good listener
- be present
- be happy and joyful
- be polite
- smile !
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