Simple Activities To Help Your Family Slow Down to Cultivate Connection
More and more, life feels a lot like that merry-go-round we used to play on as kids. You know, the ones from the 80s 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.
That’s what the speed of life feels like lately. And I couldn’t feel more ready to hop off that merry-go-round. To spend more time resting. To slow down and relish deep, meaningful connections with friends, family, and neighbors. This deliberate slowing down can bring a sense of calm and ease, reducing the stress and anxiety that often accompany our fast-paced lives.
The key?
Intentionally eliminating the non-essential and trading them for simple activities to create family connections.
We need to subtract.
Our problem today isn’t scarcity. It’s 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 us feeling stressed, anxious, and drained.
That’s why you need to set aside time strategically 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 a genuine 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.
Simple Activities to Help Cultivate Connection
Blow Bubbles
Blowing bubbles is beneficial for both kids and adults. The act of blowing in and out simulates deep breathing, which is associated with calmness and relaxation. Bubbles 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. Definitely 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 bought canvases, paintbrushes, 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 discusswhatever 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’d like to take that connection with each child just a little bit deeper.
Take a Drive and Look at Christmas Lights
Tis the season! Grab a hot chocolate or peppermint tea for the road, crank up those holiday tunes, and scout the most festive neighborhoods in your area. If it’s warm enough, park and walk them! I promise that, even in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, time will slow down to create magical moments and lasting memories with you and your family.ection 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?
