Five years ago, if someone had tried telling me family time is a great way to de-stress, I would have thought they were insane. Time with family always involves a ton of planning and someone always feels bad because their schedule doesn’t align. Now, they’re left out. Right? How in the world can family time reduce stress?
I wouldn’t have thought of the fact that “family time” can include just spending some quiet time with immediate family. Or, that I don’t have to stress out over the fact that someone may not be able to make it to a big event.
Planning and coordinating schedules may be stressful sometimes. But, spending quality time with the people you love most is great for your health.
They’re Supportive, and Remind You of It
Every time I’m with my parents, grandma, or aunts and uncles, they want to know what I’ve been working on, how things are at work, what my husband has been up to and how his mom is doing. And on top of that, they truly listen when I tell them. They ask follow-up questions and everything!
When I’m with my family, I’m reminded of the huge support network I have, and my confidence in my abilities grows.
You’ll Laugh Together
I’ve said before that laughing is one of the best things I do for my health on a regular basis.
They’re Willing to Help
Socrates said, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
Life is beautiful, but it’s also just really, really tough in a lot of ways. It’s true that everyone is fighting a hard battle, and that battle is different for every one of us. There are times when we’re getting along okay on our own, and there are times when we want everyone to think we’re getting along okay on our own.
The best advice I can give is to be transparent with your family.
These are the people who love you most in the world, and when life knocks you down, they want to be there to help you stand back up. Let them.
Just Being Together Can Reduce Stress
Experts say that just chatting with a loved one can help reduce stress levels. I say, I’ve seen it happen in my own life.
It could be a phone call, a quick visit on the way to run some errands (if you’re lucky enough to live that close to your parents, like me), or sitting down to enjoy dinner with your husband on the weekends; but sometimes all you need is to talk a little with those who matter most.
Can Family Time Reduce Stress? It Doesn’t Have to Be a Huge Event
The more stress we can all reduce from our lives, the healthier we’ll be. And, time with family (whether that’s true family, or friends who are like family) can help with that in so many ways. From taking your mind off of your current stressors for a bit, to actually jumping in to help when you need it, this is what family is for.
I know I’m grateful for mine every day.
So, what are you waiting for? Send a group text or an email and plan some family time, even if that’s just a Sunday dinner with your parents.
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