Modern life is busy and often hectic. It is often difficult when two parents are working full work days and kids are juggling school and extra-curricular activities to get the whole family to do something together. However, if you needed a reason for a family game night, a day out in the park, or even something as simple as eating a meal together, here is a great one: spending time with your family can positively affect your health.
Here are three ways that spending time with family makes you healthier:
It Lowers Stress
Your job and dealing with bills can be stressful. Taking time out to have fun with your family is a great way to reduce your overall stress level. Try engaging in activities like a day at the park, reading a book as a family, or even just playing catch in your yard when the weather is nice to keep your stress levels manageable.
It’s Great For Your Kids’ Mental Development
Spending time with your children is absolutely essential for their mental development. Children who spend more time with their parents do better at school and are happier on average then those who spend less time with their parents. Put your phone or laptop away, and spend ten minutes talking to your kids about their day. Ask about school, their friends, or even what they’re looking forward to doing in the future.
It Can Be Good For Your Physical and Mental Health
If you cook and eat more meals at home, and engage in physical activities (like sports) with your family, you may find an unexpected benefit: your physical health improves. Home-cooked meals tend to be better for you then getting takeout or fast food. Playing physical games can help you build strength and endurance. Both are great ways to get healthy. Playing board games with your family is also a great way to get some mental exercise in.
Here are some other activities you can do with your family: visit a museum, play a video game, do arts and craft projects, work together on chores around the home or take an afternoon and go fishing. All of these activities will be fun, and positively affect your health.
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