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by Michelle Sutton-Kerchner
Seize the moment while summer is still here. Healthy fun now can become a habit in time for the hectic pace of fall …
August is a convenient time to gather the family, young and old, and initiate some healthy activities disguised as fun. Summer winds down as we settle into its relaxed rhythm. There are less constraints on time, evidenced by the random appearance of children and adults in parks, shops, and yards everywhere. Use this time to strengthen bonds for healthy growth.
The Benefits
Dedicating time with loved ones is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Here are some perks:
- Strong social connections improve health and increase longevity. Just ask centennials how they spent most of their lives. In the process, you will build your own social connection with someone whose wisdom is a treasure.
- Time spent with siblings is shown to improve family communication (even if only to communicate your frustrations with dad’s latest antics). According to a study published in the Journal of Family Psychology, having a sibling also is linked to increased altruistic behavior.
- Parenting helps individuals live longer. Early death rates from cancer, accidents, or circulatory disease are lower for parents, according to research. If childless, longevity is one healthy reason to share childrearing with relatives and friends. Schedule a playdate with your nephew!
- Young children’s long-term body weight can benefit from close connections at a young age with their moms.
Find creative ways to connect with loved ones. Jumpstart this summer health initiative now when the season’s energy, time, and brightness inspire. August is National Family Fun Month for a reason. Kids’ boredom at this point also helps the cause. (By now, they are probably overdosed on Minecraft and YouTube videos, despite your best efforts.)
Embrace New Activities
Try a new sport or venture out for a fitness daytrip of hiking or kayaking. Explore with your family to discover new favorites. Try community fun runs, take a ballroom dancing class, learn how to fly fish. Break from the sun and visit the Center for Family Swim. Share your favorite exercises, dance moves, and yoga poses.
Cook Together
Older family members find joy in sharing recipes inherited for generations. Usually, these dishes are made from all-natural ingredients, relying on fresh flavors that predate preservatives. Teach young family members the value of healthy nutrition so they can better combat our fast-food culture. Create an all-hands-on-counter meal.
Teach by Example
Turn off electronics and focus on the world around you. Walk and talk about your days. Shoot hoops together. Wash the cars (and video the soap fights). Watch the fireflies emerge. Be still and listen to nature. Make mindfulness a way of life.
Take Initiative
Studies report friends and family are highly influential in our lifestyle factors. Healthy nutrition and fitness habits benefit you as well as your loved ones. Bring them to the Center for a visit. Let them witness your prioritization of health. (Go ahead. Show off your kettlebell swing.) Your dedication will have a positive impact on those in your life, regardless of their ages. Be a healthy influence.
Eat Meals Together
When possible, enjoy meals together. If dinnertime is impossible, aim for an early breakfast. Healthful food is an added perk. However, the focus is on time shared and stories exchanged. Every day, we have something to learn from each other. Additionally, studies prove kids who have frequent family dinners are less likely to use alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. And it doesn’t take a study to show adults also benefit from quality time in the presence of loved ones.
Create
Cultivate real social networking. Relationships, even among close family and friends, take work. It is easy to pass away nights lazing on the couch, necks cranked to see our screens. Start a conversation. Interject movement. The effort is well worth it. You will enjoy a greater sense of security, a stronger purpose and identity. And, your tribe will experience a healthier lifestyle.
Sources
“Good-Life Activities for Your Family,” by Gina Shaw at webmd.com.
“8 Reasons to Spend Time with Loved Ones,” at huffingtonpost.com.
