With everyone juggling work and school from home, dodging crowds, and being extra careful when heading out, it’s totally normal for your family to feel a bit more stressed than usual. And with the holidays coming up — which might look a little different this year — it’s a great time to find some fun ways to unwind together. Here are 5 easy ideas!
1. Share What You’re Grateful For
Taking a moment to appreciate the good stuff can really help calm everyone down. Start your day by having each family member share a few things they’re looking forward to. If your kid is stressing about a math test, help them flip the script with something like, “I’m glad I get to finally take the test I’ve been studying for.” You can also do this at bedtime to end the day on a positive note. Just ask everyone to share something they were thankful for that day. It’s a nice way to connect and feel secure as a family.
2. Try Meditating
Meditation has tons of benefits, like better sleep and less anxiety. And guess what? Kids can totally meditate too! It’s a great skill to teach them early on. Check out some fun guided meditation videos for kids on YouTube, or try out some techniques from our article. Whether you do it solo or as a family, it’s a super effective way to chill out.
3. Get Moving
I know it can be tough to squeeze in exercise when life gets hectic, but that’s when it’s most important! Working out releases those feel-good endorphins and helps you sleep better, both of which are key for stress relief. Go for a family walk, hike, or play some games like tag or hide-and-seek. Getting active together will definitely boost everyone’s mood!
4. Dive into a Good Book
Reading can seriously help reduce stress and anxiety while making you feel happier and sharper. Let your kids pick out some books to read together, or if they’re old enough, set up a family reading hour where everyone can chill with their own book. For younger kids, get them involved by having them explain the story or act out scenes. Helping them love reading is a great habit that can help them relax for life!
5. Get Your Hands Dirty in the Garden
Gardening can be super relaxing and a nice break from screens. If you don’t have a yard, you can still enjoy indoor plants or a little herb garden on your windowsill. Even a small amount of time spent on this calming activity can really help ease stress.
So there you go! Give these tips a try and see how they work for your family!
