Quick Practices That Will Have a Positive Effect On Your Family

Author: Jennifer Kropf

Work, school, and endless to-do lists can often leave us feeling depleted. And, if we are being honest, it is hard to take the time to do things to take care of our own mental and emotional health. When we take the time to take care of ourselves, it will have a positive effect on our entire family. Here are three quick practices you can incorporate into your day that will make a positive impact.

Practice Gratitude. Be intentional about stating what you are thankful for. In fact, the more we practice gratitude, the more grateful we are and the happier we are. You will have more positive emotions, express more kindness, and even sleep better. (Happify)

  • Keep a gratitude journal. Write two or three specific things you are thankful for each day.

  • Share what you are thankful for with your family. Have a discussion at dinner and encourage each member to say something they were grateful for that day.

  • Be specific. Instead of saying, "I am thankful for my family." Say, "I am thankful that my husband cooked dinner tonight."

"I am happy because I’m grateful. I choose to be grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy."-Will Arnett

Practice Daily Positive Family Affirmations. Affirmations are positive statements you say aloud daily. Affirmations guide us to create the reality we want and focus on the positive aspects of our life. Take a minute in the morning and before you go to bed to state a positive affirmation.

  • I appreciate being with my family.

  • In our family, we value one another and the roles we play.

  • We are a strong family unit with unbreakable bonds.

  • We can rely on one another, and that makes me feel supported and secure.

  • Everyday, I show up to be the best parent for my children.

Involve your kids with daily affirmations to help promote positivity in their daily lives as well.

  • I have many strengths.

  • I am unique. No one else in the world is like me!

  • I can do hard things.

  • I am brave.

Look here to find 450 Best Family Affirmations for a Positive Home. You will find affirmations for parents, kids, teens, and more. Learn how to create positive affirmations for your own life.

Take a walk outdoors. Getting moving in nature can lower blood pressure and stress, enhance the immune system, and increase mood. Being outside in nature actually promotes calm. In fact, a recent study found that people who spend two hours outside every week were more likely to report good health and psychological well-being. (Yale)

This comes out to a little more than 17 minutes per day if you spread this time across the week.

How can you incorporate this into your daily life?

  • Take a brisk walk with your family after dinner.

  • Walk with your kids to school and back each day.

  • Walk to the local park and enjoy time together there.

In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks."-John Muir

Sources

https://www.happify.com/hd/the-science-behind-gratitude/

https://e360.yale.edu/features/ecopsychology-how-immersion-in-nature-benefits-your-health