Reduce Stress With Family

We all seem to be rushing everywhere with multiple things to do at work while at the same time trying to fit our family into our hectic lifestyle.

Our homes were once a place of relaxation and family activities but this has changed.

We never seem to have enough time to spend quality time with our families because we spend our time running to school plays, going to the gym, driving kids to their sport activity, or bringing music teachers into our homes.

So what happened to the good old times?

Here are some suggestions to reduce the stress you feel from running everywhere with little time for your family get togethers.

1. Don't be a schedule fanatic. Don't schedule your children for every school activity, and reduce the number of volunteer assignments that you undertake.

2. Turn the T.V., CD player, computer, and phone off for a night and sit with your family and play a good old-fashioned board game. Yes, computer games seem to have taken over but that doesn't mean there aren't great board games being brought to the market. And, if you can't find a new board game you think they'd like, bring in a pizza (their favourite) and sit around the backyard or living room and have them make up a ghost story, or an adventure story. The art of story telling isn't dead; it's just not encouraged as much - so start a new family tradition.

3. How many times does your family migrate to watch T.V. while their eating? Probably a lot. Instead, start a new trend during the week, at least a couple of times, where you and your family sit together for your evening meal. There is no better time to catch up on what's going on in their lives, share some interesting stories, plan for some weekend time together, or to have some fun planning different meals together.

4. We all can take vacations together but there are few are far between. Why not plan a weekend retreat with your family something as simple as renting a room at a local hotel with a swimming pool, or other activities that you can all participate in together.

5. When you really want to get back in touch with your family, plan a weekend walking or hiking adventure. It doesn't have to be anything extreme. Go for a drive into the country and explore new places, find out what's over that next hill, or around the next turn in the road. Pack a picnic so you can enjoy each other company while you're out exploring. Who knows, you may find some hidden treasures that are closer to home than you thought.

Family time is important - don't put off planning activities like those listed, or make up your own. You don't have to be stressed because there's no time - make time. After all, your family will soon grow and leave home and wouldn't it be nice to leave them with fond memories that they can take with them to their own future families.