The COVID-19 pandemic has sent families into isolation at home and challenged parents in ways they never could have prepared for. And even as life gradually begins to feel normal in certain areas, some issues persist. Perhaps you’ve been stressed about protecting your family from getting sick, getting all of your work done with your kids running around, or paying the bills when your hours have been cut. If you’re concerned about rising tensions in your household, you may want to try a few of these problem-solving tactics to boost your family’s spirits.
Kicking Unhealthy Habits
Do you feel like your family members have let their healthy habits go since the beginning of the pandemic? A poor diet can exacerbate mental health troubles and depress your mood, and a lack of exercise can leave your kids with too much pent-up energy. To combat these dilemmas, develop a solid fitness routine that your kids can keep up with! Physical activity is one of the best ways to relieve built-up tension. However, Play Date Fitness does recommend taking rest days so that you don’t push yourself too hard.
In addition, it’s time to start cooking nutritious dishes in your own kitchen rather than ordering delivery. Whip up meals packed with whole grains, vegetables, and lean protein!
Feeling Cooped Up
Do you feel like your family members have been struggling with perpetual bad moods for months? If you want to help your family get fit and get out of the house while you’re at it, it’s time to grab a few water bottles, a couple of granola bars, and a tube of sunscreen for some outdoor adventures! According to Metal Blade Cycles, everything from hiking and biking to rock climbing and running can improve cardiovascular health and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. When you return home, you’ll notice that everyone seems to feel a bit lighter!
Another way to improve your family’s mood and limit complaining and arguing is to declutter and deep clean your home. Cleaning and organizing your home can lower anxiety and family tension. Pay special attention to your windows. By cleaning the dust and grime on your windows, more light will enter your home, which can also improve your family’s mood.
If you're still struggling with the life challenges of COVID-19, consider virtual counseling sessions with licensed professional counselor Rita Schulte who has the knowledge and experience to help you constructively respond to adversity.
Bust Boredom
Are you worried that your children are getting bored and running out of things to do at home? Boredom can easily make kids feel frustrated and feisty, and no parent wants to deal with bickering and tantrums!
If you’re looking for new ways to keep your kids entertained, why not give gaming a try? People of all ages love gaming, and it’s a hobby you can enjoy with your kids! However, if your kids are interested in popular online multiplayer games like Fortnite, you’ll need to ensure that your household has a strong Internet connection to handle this level of activity. For smooth online gameplay and quicker download speeds, you may want to consider upgrading to a fiber optics connection with a company like Verizon.
Take Time to Calm Down
Finally, you may have noticed that when you’re living in such close quarters, every small problem and conflict feels magnified. It’s tough to get any time and space to yourself when the whole family is isolating together. This is the perfect time to work with your family members on stress management skills and begin practicing some relaxing hobbies on a regular basis. For instance, you may want to start teaching your children some basic yoga poses. You can even help your kids learn how to meditate — just be patient as they try it for the first few times!
In these trying times, everyone in your household is dealing with their own struggles, and it may be a while before we can all return to our former routines and hobbies. But if you can address the roots of the tensions in your family and make an effort to have more fun together at home, you can make it through this wave of the pandemic with ease.
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Emma Grace Brown
emmagracebrown.com.