International Day of Families: How does family support strengthen your health and wellbeing?

• Benefits Mental Health

Studies have proven that family time and face-to-face communication lower our risk of mental anxiety, depression, and stress. We must never forget that being in the presence of loved one’s powers us with emotional support and gives us the energy to fight during tough times.

• Aids in the Academic Success of Children

Children who spend time with their families perform better in school on average. They are taught how to communicate and the value of education and can relate and express themselves better when they have strong family support behind them.

• Reduces the likelihood of behavioral issues

Children who spend time with their families, especially with grandparents, during the summer vacations experience a more balanced behavior and fight off violence and substance abuse. Family as a cushion gives parents and children a supportive hand to fight off concerns and even strengthens the decision-making power among young kids.

• Strengthens Self-Belief

We can’t ignore that spending more time without family makes us feel energized and stronger. Parents, grandparents, and extended family can keep a child connected with       their roots, instill self-confidence and teach the art of self-reliance.

• Assists children in developing future parenting skills

The memories you make together will inspire your children to want to create a loving environment in their own future homes. Family is so important because your children learn essential caregiving skills from you that they will use one day. They may already be practicing by imitating your actions when interacting with siblings.

• Effective Conflict Resolution

Did you know spending time with your family can teach you to solve conflicts? A family is a place where you cannot run away from conflicting discussions, and for rest, you would have to sit and resolve issues amicably. Family time teaches you impersonal communication and debating skills and gives you the means to resolve fights with a calm mind. All these skills are critical when you face conflicts and want a solution.

• Controls Stress

Stress significantly impacts physical health issues like heart health, fatigue, and blood pressure. Those with strong and healthy family relationships are more likely to use healthier stress coping mechanisms, such as confiding in friends and family, rather than engaging in unsocial activities. This establishes a habit of discussing problems with one another to relieve stress and find practical solutions.

• Children learn Resilience and Adaptability

A strong family bond improves your ability to deal with life’s changes and challenges. Being with family gives a child a sense of belonging, being cared for, and being needed, which provides them with a sense of meaning and purpose. This assurance motivates children to keep going and succeed.

• Improves Physical Well-Being

Spending time with family can improve physical well-being. Families who eat home-cooked meals together, for example, have a healthier diet than those who do not. There’s even proof that spending time with family can enhance the benefits of exercise and other healthy habits. It benefits the immune system, heart, brain, and hormones. Being with family can also motivate one another to live healthier lives.

• Increases Life Expectancy

Healthy relationships extend your life by up to 50%. When one considers the physical and mental health benefits, it’s easy to see why spending time with family has been linked to living a longer, healthier, and happier life.

• Every day, do something active. Set an example for your children.
• Increase your movement. Incorporate 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity into your daily routine. Small bursts of exercise throughout the day add up.
• Limit your daily TV, computer, and video game time to no more than 2 hours. Instead, promotes physical activity.
• Instead of taking the elevator, take the stairs.
• Keep yourself busy at home. For example, you can do household chores, dust, and cook together with your family members. These are effective ways to burn calories.
• When you go on vacation, include activities like hiking or trekking.
• Understand your daily calorie requirements. Calories consumed must be balanced with calories spent.