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The Simplest Way to Connect With Your Family

The Simplest Way to Connect With Your Family

Let’s face it. It is no secret that life as a parent is busy. Between work deadlines, school commitments, social activities, and all the to-do’s our kids seem to have these days, it is easy to get so caught up in our family’s schedule that we lose real genuine face-to-face connection with each other.

Currently, in post-pandemic life, it seems as if we have over scheduled our families more than usual in an effort to get back out there and reclaim normal life. If your family is substituting a full calendar of busy activity for a true connection you will always end up feeling disconnected. Busyness and activities do not amount to deep connection.

That is why today I am going to give you the simplest and yet also the most effective way to connect with your family at any age or stage. Even if your calendar is full.

This strategy for connection is so easy you could implement it today no matter where you are.

Are you ready for it?

The simplest way to connect with your family is to take a walk together.

Yes, you read that right. And yes, it is that easy.

Here is what taking a walk does for you and your family and why it is the simplest way to connect with them:

1. Taking a walk with your family requires no preparation and can take as little or as much time as your schedule allows.
2. Taking a walk releases endorphins. Physical activity of any kind reduces our body’s stress hormones and stimulates the production of endorphins within our bodies that boost the emotional mood of every family member.
3. Taking a walk gets everyone outside. Being outside and breathing in fresh air is proven to lower blood pressure, open the capillaries and invigorate the soul.
4. Taking a walk removes everyday distractions (even good ones) like technology, household chores, and activities on the calendar which helps us to give undivided attention to our family.
5. Taking a walk gives parents and kids time to talk about any topic while participating in an activity together. By talking, your family has an opportunity to decompress from the emotions and situations that transpired throughout the day and not have to carry the burden alone.
6. Taking a walk not only brings parents and kids together it also offers opportunities for siblings and spouses to connect as well.

Taking a walk will look different for each family- some may hike for an hour, some might take a quick trip around the block on the sidewalk, or some might walk on the nearest high school running track, it doesn’t matter. Just walk and talk. Try it at least three times and see what results you get. You might be surprised that your teenager tells you details of her dating life you never knew before. Or your whiny toddler loves being pushed in the stroller. Or your spouse grabs your hand even after you’ve been arguing all day.

So today, tell your kids you are all going on a walk after dinner. You might hear some grumbling at first, but once they are outside without phones, picking up sticks, or throwing the football, I guarantee you will learn something new about each other and you will arrive home feeling more connected to your family than before.

Here’s to connecting deeper with your family!
Warmly,
Amber Collins

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