For most of us, there are few things more important in life than family, when all is said and done. Research from the Sunny Life Control Index shows that the joy you get from family time ripples across the rest of your life. People who spend time with their family at least once a week claim to feel better about their financial situations, their friendships, and are more likely to feel like they are going to achieve
Judging by the research, it seems that quality family time can perk up your outlook on just about anything. But when work, socialising and other “adult” responsibilities keep your days, nights and weekends jam-packed, how can you claim some time back to get the much-needed mood boost that comes uniquely from your nearest and dearest?
Make chores a family activity
Encouraging your kids to get stuck in around the house may seem like more of a hindrance than a help. When time is tight, turning a project chore like deep-cleaning a room or reorganising your cupboards can be a great way to turn something mundane into a fun family time activity. Set the kids on with simple jobs like dusting and polishing, putting their toys away, or even folding clothes or blankets while you crack on with the trickier tasks. If you need an extra incentive, you can turn cleaning into a competition or race with prizes for the fastest person to get through their list of chores!
Cook together
Now, we’re not suggesting you turn every meal into an extravagant feast. However, cooking with your family, from weekend baking with the kids, to weeknight dinner prep with your partner, siblings or even your parents, is a great opportunity to share your skills and can be really relaxing. Plus, you get to enjoy the fruits of your labour at the end!
Games night
Setting an evening weekly, monthly, or less often to play games together can be a great change of pace and a welcome break from day-to-day life. Whether you go old school and dig out ancient board games or stay in the 21st century with video games, the chance to let your hair down will unleash a side of you that your family perhaps don’t get to see very often. Just try not to let that side be a sore loser!
Get out and about
Taking a day trip with your family may not be something you regularly have time for, and you may think family trips are off the table because they’re too expensive. But taking a day trip to get some quality time together doesn’t have to mean costly theme parks or expensive attractions. Taking a picnic and a ball to your nearest country park on a summer Saturday costs next to nothing and is a great way to spend some time together having fun. On wet weather days, look up attractions in your area that are free to visit, or find the silver lining in the rain clouds, don your wellies and go out puddle jumping!
Make family time a priority
If you’re really dedicated to making time in your schedule for family fun, it shouldn’t be impossible for you to find something you can reschedule, or abandon altogether, to make time to start a new family tradition. What you choose is up to you – choose from one of our ideas, or commit to something that’s unique to your family. What’s important is that it becomes a habit and you don’t allow other things to derail the special time you’ve set aside. Leave your phone somewhere out the way, disconnect for a few hours and enjoy!
How do you make time for family in your schedule? Let us know in the comments.
*Of 4005 individuals surveyed for the Sunny Life Control Index, of those who said they spent time with their families at least once a week, 54% said they felt they had a high level of control over their finances, 56% agreed that they were happy with their friendships, and 36% say they have a high expectation of meeting their life goals.
**21% of people who spend time with their families at least once a week say they feel confident with the current political situation in the UK. 57% also say they remain optimistic about the future, even during bad times.
