Stress-Relief Activities That Families Can Do

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Today’s family lives a hectic lifestyle. School, work, extracurricular activities, play dates… The days are filled with so many activities and there’s often little time left to sit back, relax, and enjoy some quality time together with these Stress-Relief Activities.

NOTE: This post about Stress-Relief Activities is a Guest Post by Hilary Smith. Her bio follows the post.

Stress-Relief Activities That Families Can Do

Stress-Relief Activities That Families Can Do

While all this activity can certainly be beneficial, it can also lead to stress. There’s no denying that the effects of stress can be detrimental for both adults and children. In parents, it can cause headaches, depression, insomnia, and even increase the risk of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Children can also experience a number of physiological and psychological issues if they are constantly exposed to stress.

Though we may not be able to remove all the stress that we encounter, there are ways that we can cope with it and avoid the lasting effects that our stressful lifestyles can cause.

Here’s a look at some simple, yet effective activities that families can partake in together to reduce the pressures of their busy lives – and enjoy some quality time with each other, too.

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Turn Off the Technology

Technology has become so commonplace in our society. We rely on it for news and entertainment, and we also use it as tools for teaching. In fact, considering the fact that the average American spends 10 hours or more each day in front of some type of screen, it’s safe to say that technology use has become the norm.

While technology is useful, excessive use can be detrimental. It can increase stress levels and cause a disconnection amongst families. You don’t have to cut out using those smartphones, tablets, computers, and video games all together, but you should consider cutting back on your use.

Create “screen-free” times when all members have to log off and do something together that doesn’t involve technology. Read; play games; tell stories… Cutting back on the screen time can do wonders for stress.

 

Laugh Together

The saying “laughter is the best medicine” has been uttered for centuries, and there’s real truth to it.

When you laugh, your body releases endorphins – those “feel-good” chemicals, which also naturally decrease levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.

So go ahead and have a good belly laugh with your family. Tell jokes; play games that encourage laughter; act out scenes from a movie. Anything that will tickle your family’s funny bone can help to reduce stress and make everyone feel happier.

 

Give Meditation a Try

People have been practicing meditation for centuries, and for good reason. It’s been proven to promote mindfulness and reduce stress.

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Get the family together in a relaxed environment and practice deep breathing and other meditative practices. For example, lay still on the floor and place crystals or gemstones on your foreheads to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety levels.

You’ll be amazed to find what a difference a few hours of meditation a week can do for every member of your family.

 

Get Into Nature

Get outside and spend some time in nature. Go on a hike; explore a nature preserve; swim in a natural body of water. Breathe in the fresh air, soak up the sun, and get active outdoors. Even spending just 30 minutes in nature a day as a family can help to significantly reduce stress levels. Plus, being outside is fun and provides opportunities to learn valuable life skills and make memories that will last a lifetime.

By practicing these stress-relief activities together, you can strengthen your family bond, establish great connections with each other, and reduce the negative and lasting consequences that living a high-stress lifestyle can cause.

Author Bio: After growing up in Austin, Texas, Hilary Smith traded in the sunshine to brave Chicago winters and pursue a freelance writing career.  This tech geek with a nose for new gadgets, specializes in covering the telecommunications industry. She’s a yoga enthusiast who works out daily, a practice she began as a teen living in Austin.

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