Family Activities

After months of distance learning, and a restricted indoor summer looming ahead, many students are left struggling with “negative thinking” and placing greater focus on problems or the things going wrong in their lives.

In order to guide students into “positive thinking,” where they can begin to view the world through an optimistic lens, we recommend using the 5 Ways of Wellbeing. This internationally recognized method consists of simple steps that help protect mental health.

Below are the 5 Ways of Wellbeing, each one described and presented along with an activity you can do to help strengthen the category. The activities listed here can be easily incorporated into your everyday life and help look after your mental health and wellbeing!

Connect

Feel connected with those around you, listen to what others are sharing with you

Activity:

Spend an evening deepening your connections with your family, take the time to learn something new about each other or share hopes and plans for the future. This can also be done with friends over the phone!

Be Active

Lift your mood by spending some time exercising to boost your physical health

Activity:

Set aside an hour where you can be active together as a family. Hold a family sports day where you can complete indoor exercises such as jumping jacks or push ups.Being active can be more fun when done with others who challenge and encourage you!

Take Notice

Remember the simple thangs that give you joy, appreciate them

Activity:

Have some quiet time as a family. Perhaps set aside 20 minutes wherethere is no talking, no music, no television, just silence. Note down what you notice about your home, family members, etc. What do you appreciate that you have been taking for granted?

Keep Learning

Embrace new opportunities and surprise yourself by trying something new

Activity:

Spend an evening learning something new, this can be anything from a language to a skill like origami or baking. Each family member can try something on their own or have one person teach something to the rest of the family and you could all learn from each other!!

Give

Acts of kindness, no matter the size, can generate happiness and satisfaction

Activity:

Hold a gratitude evening and give your family your time, your words, and your presence. Put distractions aside and share what you are grateful for (in life, from each of them, in your community, etc.) Share kind words and listen actively when others are sharing their own.

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