Wellness for the Whole Family

While health and wellness are often considered individualized, it’s still a family affair. Take time and care to build healthy habits that benefit everyone. Consider these simple, practical ideas to bring wellness into your home on a regular basis.

• Move together. You might have your workouts – from adult jiu-jitsu to a running club – and your family members might have theirs – like school sports or cycling. Think about getting everyone involved in prioritizing movement. Consider a family hike on the weekends, after-dinner walks, at-home family workouts or dance parties.

• Family mealtimes. Busy schedules can make your home feel like a revolving door, making eating together challenging. While there may be after-school activities, personal commitments or work events that interfere on occasion, consider making family mealtimes nonnegotiable whenever possible. Coming together at the table establishes healthy communication practices and strengthens bonds with loved ones.

• Lead by example. Wellness practices can be contagious, and family members may be more likely to embrace a healthy lifestyle if they witness you doing so. This could mean swapping sugary drinks for water or making time for exercise or meditation practices.

• Practice gratitude. As a family, set aside time daily or weekly to go around the room and say what you are thankful for. Find quiet moments to check in on how everyone is feeling mentally. Research shows gratitude practices increase serotonin and dopamine, the “feel-good” hormones in the brain.

• Unplug. Digital devices are a regular part of daily life, but establishing boundaries around tech-free time, like family game night or reading, helps overall wellbeing. Consider the importance of time spent together instead of constantly being plugged in.

Wellness is better when shared. Start small, have fun and make consistent changes that can lead to lasting results for the whole family.