Jill spills: 7 Ways to Chillax and Create Peace with Family
Summer—the season of sunshine, lazy days, and quality time with your family and friends. As parents, it's easy to get caught up in the frenzy of daily life, leaving us yearning for a sense of peace and relaxation. But what if I told you that you have the power to create a peaceful ecosystem that radiates tranquility to everyone around you?
Yes, it's possible! In this blog, we'll explore some fantastic ways to chillax this summer by bringing out your inner peace and making not only you feel serene, but everyone in your family.
Start With Yourself:
As the saying goes, "You can't pour from an empty cup." Begin your journey toward a peaceful ecosystem by taking care of yourself first. That’s right, be deliberately selfish, and choose activities that rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Remember, when you’re well, everyone benefits. So, get over the guilt of “me-time”, and remember you’re actually doing your family a big favor by taking care of yourself. Whether it's yoga, meditation, taking long walks in nature, getting a well-deserved massage, enjoying your toes in the sand as the sun sets, or diving into a good book, prioritize self-care to bring your inner peace to the forefront.
Protect Your Peace:
In today's digital world, constant connectivity can overwhelm and disrupt our peace. Make a conscious effort to unplug and create technology-free zones or designated "family time" slots. Lead by example by peacefully putting your devices down and create fun conversations; bring out board games; or get outside and play together. Tag, shoot some hoops, horseshoes, or pull out some oldies, but goodies like, “Red Light – Green Light”, “Simon Says” or “Mother May I”. Remember, families who play together, laugh together. By doing so, you'll not only be creating an enjoyable environment, but also strengthening the bonds that matter most.
Ecosystem of Ease:
Create an atmosphere of peacefulness by decluttering your living spaces. A clutter-free home can have a significant impact on your mental well-being and your family’s flow. You don’t have to get stuck or overwhelmed in the little details, just focus on the big chunks--the things that will create the biggest show in that particular space. For example, making a bed immediately makes a bedroom feel better. Or clear off the kitchen table, and add a vase with some fresh cut flowers. Involve your kids in the process, and make it an easy-going family activity. By simplifying your surroundings, clearing clutter, you'll create a peaceful haven for everyone to enjoy.
Mindful Mealtime:
Food has a remarkable way of bringing people together. Instead of rushing through meals, turn mealtimes into mindful experiences. Gather the family around the table, encourage everyone to share their day over a table of everyone’s favorite foods, and savor each bite. Prepare meals together, explore new recipes, and experiment with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Nourishing the body and mind through mindful eating promotes peace and relaxation. Pass the fresh peaches please!
Nature, Naturally:
Escape the hustle and bustle of the daily grind, and immerse yourself in the soothing embrace of nature. Take family outings to local parks, gardens, walks in the neighborhood or nearby hiking trails. Spend time marveling at the beauty around you, inhaling the fresh air, bird watching, and basking in the sun's warmth or under the night’s sky. Nature has a way of rejuvenating our spirits, making us feel whole, and bringing us closer to our inner peace.
Gratitude = Peace:
In the midst of our busy lives, we often forget to appreciate the simple joys that surround us. From the humming bird outside our window, the unconditional love of our animals, clean water to drink, or our health. Encourage your family to get up close and personal with gratitude. Try creating a gratitude jar where everyone can jot down things they are thankful for, or chirping at mealtimes what everyone’s grateful for. Do what works best in your family. Expressing gratitude cultivates a positive mindset and amplifies the peaceful vibes in your family’s ecosystem.
Mindfulness Matters:
Mindfulness is the art of being present in the moment, fully aware and accepting of our thoughts, emotions, and surroundings. In the age of distraction, it’s even more essential to teach your children mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, grounding exercises, being still, observant, and quiet, or introducing guided meditations. Practicing mindfulness together will not only help your family find peace, but also equip them with essential life skills.
Creating a peaceful ecosystem starts with you. By nurturing your own inner peace, unplugging, decluttering, savoring mealtime, embracing nature, practicing gratitude, and cultivating mindfulness, you can bring ease and relaxation to your entire family. As you embark on this journey, remember that peace is contagious—it spreads from one person to another, and together, we can create a summer filled with harmony, joy, and wonderful memories. So go ahead, chillax and let your inner peace shine bright for all to experience!
