Simple Activities To Help Your Family Slow Down to Cultivate Connection
More and more, life feels a lot like the merry-go-round we used to play on as kids. You know, the ones from the 80’s where it took the whole crew to run as fast as they could to get that thing really going…and then to all jump on at the optimal moment. The feeling was exhilarating—but you’d also have to push yourself to see how long you could “hang” with the rest of the crew.
Yeah—that’s what the speed of life feels like lately. And honestly, I’m ready to hop off of that merry-go-round. And to spend more time resting. To slow down and cultivate deeper, more meaningful connections with friends, family, and neighbors. And, as I’ve made it a priority…I’ve realized that it’s much easier than the world has made it out to be. The key? Intentionality and finding simple activities that allow for family connection.
Slow Down
This can only be accomplished by creating space in your calendar. And the only way that can be done? Intentionally paring down the non-essential to identify ways to incorporate simple activities for family connection.
The key here?
Subtract, subtract, subtract.
Our problem today isn’t scarcity. It’s quite literally the opposite. We are drowning in “too much.” Too many commitments and too many things. Demands, commitments, and physical and mental things to manage are coming at us at the speed of light. It feels like trying to drink out of a firehouse and it’s leaving society as a whole feeling stressed out and anxious.
That’s why you need to very strategically set aside time to pick what stays in your day-to-day and what you can joyfully let go of! If you’re familiar with the term time-blocking…it can be considered the art of strategically “unblocking” big chunks of your day to allow for freedom, spontaneity, and the opportunity for true connection to happen.
Now that you’ve created mental and physical space in your day, you’re ready to add simple and gentle prompts that will allow your family to lighten up and connect with one another.
Simple Activities to Help Cultivate Connection
Blow Bubbles
Blowing bubbles is beneficial for both kids and adults alike. The act of blowing in and out simulates deep breathing associated with calmness and relaxation. They encourage us to be present where we are and also allow for a creative outlet for expression. You can read more about the benefits of blowing bubbles here.
Work on a Puzzle
Another way you can slow down as a family and create an unpressured opportunity for connection is by working on a puzzle together. Aside from being a fun social thing to do, puzzles provide a number of surprising health benefits such as aiding development of both the right and left side of the brain and improving IQ. Definite homeschool wins!
Color
Coloring is a surefire way to wind down stress and anxiety. Kids or adult coloring books will do. In our house, we prefer the wide array of color possibilities that colored pencils provide.
Paint
Much like Allie from The Notebook, I used to paint. I never paint anymore! Then, my subconscious had a lightbulb moment ( much like Allie’s fiancé)…so paint! That day, I went out and bought canvases, paint brushes, and acrylic paint. The sky is the limit as to what our designs would be. Immediately upon painting, my kids and I felt calmer and more relaxed.
Sidewalk Chalk
Continuing with the artwork theme, only you can take this one outside! (A score if you’re working on logging those 1,000 Hours Outside.)
Have a bonfire
A while back, my husband invested in a Solo stove. A portable fire pit you can move around or take anywhere. It has been such a wonderful thing for our family. We love making S’mores or even just roasting marshmallows while we discuss whatever pops into our heads.
Stargaze
This is so easy and fun. Lay a blanket out in the yard, throw on some bug spray, and explore the infinite universe. Erik even has an app that allows him to locate the constellations when he points his phone in the direction of the sky. One of these days, we plan to get a telescope to take it to the next level.
Go for a walk
Honestly, THE simplest way to slow down, enjoy the great outdoors and each other’s company. A walk can be done in 10 minutes—or take a while longer…depending on how much time you have. My kids have been the ones to initiate some of the best conversations with me when we’re taking a walk. This is great all together–or can be a fantastic one-on-one activity if you’re wanting to take that connection with each child just a little bit deeper.
To find more, be sure to check out my post on 50 Dates Under $50: Spark Connection Without Breaking the Bank.
What are some ways that you and your family like to slow down and savor time together?
