10 Activities for Families to Boost Mental Health Together

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Life can be overwhelming for kids and adults. Between school schedules, work deadlines and household chores, it’s easy to feel stressed and disconnected. Fortunately, there are ways to boost quality time and mental health together. It’s all about finding simple yet meaningful ways to reconnect and recharge as one. Discover 10 family activities to create a happier, more supportive home.

1. Go for Nature Walks

Getting out in nature is like a reset button for the mind. With electronic gadgets overtaking people’s lives, it’s a perfect way to practice digital detox. Studies show it helps boost mental health and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

Theme your walks to keep things interesting. Encourage children to look for specific types of flowers, identify birds, collect interesting natural objects for arts and crafts or practice nature photography. A sensory adventure in which everyone reflects on what they see, hear, smell and feel can soothe the mind.

2. Explore Art Activities

Art is an excellent outlet for thoughts and emotions. Such activity is ideal for younger children who have yet to grasp the concept of having feelings. In many cases, art therapy can help manage stress, post-traumatic stress disorder and emotional issues. Explore various creative avenues, such as collage making, clay pottery or traditional drawing.

Work on a single piece of art together as a family — create a painting, a vision board or decorate a shared space at home. If your family feels competitive, engage in solo art activities and let each person present their masterpiece. 

3. Bust Some Moves or Sing Together

Dancing to music and singing your favorite tunes is a fantastic way to joyously connect. This activity helps build a safe space for kids, allowing them to show their silliness without fearing judgment.

Family members can share songs to dance or sing to and encourage silly moves. For a more structured approach, learn a trendy song’s dance steps together, take a video and share it with friends. If a family member is musically inclined, creating a song or dance number can spark creativity.

4. Gardening

Getting your hands dirty can be incredibly therapeutic. It’s a fun way to connect with nature and give kids a sense of accomplishment. Plus, families that garden together have better health, partly thanks to easier access to vegetables.

When planting seeds, ask children how the soil feels or smells. Start with easy-to-grow plants like herbs or leafy greens. As the plants sprout, encourage children to monitor plant growth. Give each family member tasks, such as planting seeds, watering, harvesting or weeding. 

5. Play Board Games

Game nights are a fun way to teach strategy, flex the brain and create moments of laughter. It allows the whole family to unplug and enjoy quality time together. Choose board games that cater to various ages and interests. Include cooperative games where you collaborate to complete a single goal.

Classics like Monopoly and Codenames are great starting points. Explore cooperative strategy games like Pandemic and Ticket to Ride. If you want educational games, opt for Scrabble, Qwirkle or Blokus. Remember to turn off phones and the TV to keep everyone fully immersed.

6. Learn Something New Together

The benefits of learning together go beyond just acquiring a new skill. It lets you bond and create lasting memories. Pick up an instrument and attend a class together. When your kids see their parents trying their best, they will be motivated to practice.

Hop on a new creative pursuit or visit an activity center, like an exciting escape room. Check out libraries, local businesses and community centers that offer beginner-friendly classes in various interests, such as painting, pottery or languages.

7. Create a Gratitude Jar

Practicing gratitude can retrain your brain to focus on positive things. It encourages everyone to reflect on what they’re thankful for, no matter how big or small. A gratitude jar is filled with meaningful prompts. Personalize a clear jar with decorations, write gratitude prompts on paper, fold them and add them to the jar. Consider these ideas:

• When do you feel safe and secure?
• What makes you feel calm?
• What do you appreciate most about your body?
• What made you smile this week?
• Think of a time you offered kindness to someone. What did that moment teach you?
• Name a food you enjoyed eating this week.

Pull out the statements and ask everyone to answer the prompt. Gather everyone and write down three to five things that made you thankful or happy. Do this weekly to make gratitude a habit.

8. Go to the Playground

Visiting a playground is a fun way to get fresh air and exercise. For kids, it means fun and learning opportunities. Free play encourages critical thinking skills, which are important for children around 12 years of age. At this stage, deductive and abstract reasoning can help them navigate the world with confidence.

Get involved in the games. Go down the slide, push the swing and play badminton to add more excitement to your family’s playground time.

9. Cook Together

Nothing beats quality time in the kitchen. Cooking as a family is a recipe for stronger bonds, encouraging deeper connections and relaxation. Experiment with new recipes, meal prep together or bake your children’s favorite cookies. 

Choose easy-to-follow recipes, especially when cooking with younger kids. Think simple pasta dishes or pancakes. Assign age-appropriate tasks to encourage active participation. Little ones can wash vegetables or stir ingredients, while older children can help with measuring. Sit down together and savor the meal you’ve prepared.

10. Do Breathing Exercises

It’s normal for kids to feel anxious, stressed or frustrated. Taking a major test or arguing with a friend can overwhelm them. One simple yet effective solution is to practice breathing exercises. When someone expresses negative emotions, encourage the whole family to take deep breaths.

Box breathing is an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety. Breathe in to a count of four, place the hands on the belly and hold the breath for another four. Exhale slowly through the mouth for four more seconds. 

Happier Minds, Happier Family Life 

Nurture your family’s mental health. Whether it’s the simple joy of starting a garden together or going for a calming outdoor walk, these activities contribute to a happier, mentally stronger family. Choose what resonates with your loved ones, try them out and reap the mental health benefits together.