2019 April Articles Archives

What does “Quality Time” Mean to Your Family?

Families that spend more quality time together tend to be happier and stronger. Studies have shown that the children of families who spend more time together perform better at school, and have fewer behavioural issues.

Modern families tend to spend a lot of time apart, be it at work, school, daycare and after-school activities like sports. Moments spent together are rare and precious. Even if you share one mealtime together a day or spend 10 minutes reading a story before bed, that quality time can make a world of difference.

Why You Need Quality Time

Your family can benefit in so many ways from spending quality time together:

It helps your loved ones to feel valued and improves their self-esteem, which is especially important for young children.
It gives you the chance to have meaningful conversations and voice your thoughts and feelings.
It teaches children about making healthy connections, and healthy emotional behaviour in general.
It’s a great way to relax, unwind and forget about the pressures of work and school.
Doing fun things together helps you to create lasting memories.

Quality vs Quantity

Quality time means paying full and undivided attention to the person you’re with. It’s not just close proximity, it’s real togetherness. So, as tempting as it is to zone out in front of the TV together for a couple of hours, it pays to make an effort to spend mindful, focused time with your loved ones.

Great Ways to Spend Quality Time Together

Have dinner as a family – that includes preparing your meal together, talking about your day while you eat, and cleaning up together.
Exercise together – go for a jog, a swim, a walk or simply play catch in the garden.
Plan a trip to the movies, the theatre or the planetarium.
Do some gardening or go on a nature walk, and enjoy spending time outdoors.
Play a board game or a card game.
Read your little ones a bedtime story.
If you have older kids or loved ones living away from home, give them a call. Studies show that talking on the phone with a loved one can reduce stress, and is nearly as good as getting a hug.

There are so many fun and creative ways to enjoy quality time with your kids – and your whole family will feel the benefits.

Sources

What are the benefits of spending quality time with your kids? Retrieved from: https://10minutesofqualitytime.com/what-are-the-benefits-spending-quality-time-kids/

World Benefits of Family Time. Retrieved from: https://www.fedhealth.co.za/healthy-living-tips/the-benefits-of-family-time/

Stop Bringing Work Stress Home with You

We all get a bit frazzled during the work day from time to time. But bringing that work stress home from the office and into your family’s space won’t do you or your loved ones any good. Here are some helpful ways to leave work stress at work, and enjoy your downtime.

End the Work Day Positively

It helps to leave things on a good note at the office. Tie up any loose ends, so you won’t be left worrying about unfinished tasks after hours. Look over your schedule for the next day, and make a note of any meetings or calls that are lined up, so you feel prepared.

If there is something you can take care of quickly before you leave, don’t leave it hanging over you until the next day. Talk to that colleague you’ve been meaning to check in with or send that email that’s been in your Drafts folder all day.

Finish up by tidying your workspace, and saying a polite goodbye to your colleagues. You’ll leave the office feeling calmer, and more ready to “switch off”.

Digitally Disconnect

Speaking of switching off, it helps to disconnect when you get home. Shut off your smartphone or put it in airplane mode – or if you really must keep it on, switch off your work-related email and text alerts.

Don’t check your phone before going to bed, and don’t open your laptop in the evenings to answer your mails. Make yourself unavailable for work outside of office hours, so you can be truly present with your family and friends.

Use your Commute Wisely

The drive home is a good chance to unwind. Listen to your favourite music, take a few deep breaths and, if possible, use a route with low traffic. If your route home is very busy, take some time to go to gym or have a coffee break (away from the office) before you get on the road.

It’s true what they say about “all work and no play” – a life without fun and relaxation will get really dull! When you learn how to leave daily work stress at the office where it belongs, you’ll be able to enjoy a more restful and refreshing evening at home.

Sources

How to shut down your work stress after you leave the office. Retrieved from: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/24/how-to-leave-work-at-the-office_n_6016360.html

14 things you should do at the end of every work day. Retrieved from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2012/08/28/14-things-you-should-do-at-the-end-of-every-work-day/#630257b52ae2

Four ways to leave work at work. Retrieved from: https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2012/03/14/4-ways-to-leave-work-at-work