5 activities to do as a family

In families, sometimes support and love is not enough to achieve peace and harmony. Among the parents who argue, the strange adolescent behavior, the care of very young children, and the always so complicated financial stability, it seems that there is often little mental rest for a family. To this is added the pressures and obligations of modern life. Fortunately, there can be an antidote to stress - a collective painkiller - and it's as simple as starting a new activity.

Family activities can have a calming effect on parents and children alike, and research shows that they can have other positive effects, such as family cohesion, foster stability and promote social development in children.

The start of a new activity is quite easy, but if you are looking for ideas, here we show proven and popular solutions.

Night of games in family

Some events and activities are appreciated by certain members of the family more than others. For example, an opera night with great-aunt could be something that children would like to avoid. However, if there is an activity that everyone can enjoy, it is game night .

The night of games is the family union masked as fun . It usually lacks tension, and allows parents and children to forget about the day's problems. In addition, the game can have a restorative effect on families.

Family vacation

The most obvious and expensive activity . It's something that people plan all year. The main purpose of family vacations is to create a break from the daily routine. This can be especially beneficial for adults, who tend to get caught in the clutches of their jobs. Studies have shown that when work-related stress is the problem, vacations can be a solution - even a temporary one.

The restorative nature of vacations can have a domino effect. When parents have time to relax and rest, children can be more comfortable too. Not to mention an annual trip that can create a lasting family bond.

If vacations are not in the budget for your family this year, try short trips, such as camping, visiting museums and parks. Just make sure you set limits to make it feel like a real vacation.

Family dinner

Experts say that there are different types of traditions. Some are centered around celebrations (such as Christmas and birthdays) or special events created within a family (such as vacations or game nights). Others, however, depend on everyday activities. The family dinner falls into the latter category.

Dinner time has never been considered a special event. 50 years ago it was a common part of a family's daily routine, but in these days when even 5-year-olds have busy calendars, the evening meal can be a rare occasion. However, this simple activity can give the whole family the opportunity to get rid of the tensions of the day. In addition, family dinners are more likely to be nutritious than eating alone. This is important for many reasons, but one that you should not forget is that proper nutrition can be an important component of stress management.

Mind you, do not let this make you think you have to prepare a great meal every night. Putting that pressure on yourself can lead to abandoning this family tradition. What matters is not what is on the plate; the important thing is that everyone is seated at the table.

Volunteering with the family

Volunteering creates a shared sense of purpose, and also teaches children valuable life lessons such as sacrifice, responsibility and - in some cases - work skills. Volunteering has even shown that it improves psychological health.

So if you are thinking about an activity oriented to help, all you have to do is choose an organization or cause that best suits the interests of the family and schedules. If you want to make volunteering a weekly activity, consider visiting the animal shelter every Saturday morning to walk dogs. Or if the work of the week does not allow frequent volunteer opportunities, use holidays or vacations as an opportunity to give. Serves food to the homeless or visits nursing homes . These are activities that the whole family could enjoy every year.

And do not think that volunteering together is out of the question just because your family has young children. Just make sure that at least one adult is always supervising the little ones.

Religious activities in family

If it is a family of faith, they already participate in a series of family activities : prayer before meals, fasting during Ramadan, or lighting Advent candles. Family religious traditions can be as structured as attending a house of worship once a week, or as informal as helping your children pray before bedtime. Not only are they very important activities for personal beliefs, but they can also be good for the whole family. Experts suggest that religion can offer mental health benefits, such as hope, optimism, belonging, positive self-esteem and a sense of meaning.

Of course, not everyone is inclined towards religion . Meditation is a great stress reducer and something the whole family can do. It is not necessary for everyone to sit around saying "om", with a pact of silence every Sunday morning can be enough.