Family life can dominate your headspace and overwhelm you if you don’t take steps to refresh and recharge. Making small changes to the way we live our lives can cause great benefits. Below are some of the simple ways I like to create harmony in my family’s life. Focusing on one area at a time will give you the guidance and support you may need.
At mealtime, discuss one area with the family and brainstorm ways to appreciate and enjoy that area of your life. Children love the challenge of coming up with their own suggestions and telling you how they have implemented those goals in their day. It’s a wonderful way to start your morning and finish your evening.
Eating habits
make eating a pleasurable experience - begin each meal by looking at your food, smelling it, and taking three to five deep breaths.
Chew your food well - 30 seconds per mouthful or more, until it becomes nearly liquid.
Notice and honour how your body reacts to different foods and eat what works for you - not what you think you should eat based on the media and friends.
Relationships
Focus on the small things - Write down five things you’re grateful for every morning.
Do your best to be on good terms with people - especially your partner, parents, children, siblings, friends, and coworkers. Communicate with them regularly, either in person or via telephone or email.
Make amends - Write down who you’re on bad terms with or who you would avoid if you saw them and take action.
Celebrate what’s new and good in your life - instead of dwelling on things that aren’t going well. From that place of gratitude, take action to improve your life one step at a time.
Hygiene
Increase your circulation - Scrub your entire body with a hot, damp washcloth in the morning and/or at night.
Allow your skin to breathe - Wear 100% cotton clothing as often as possible and avoid wearing synthetic clothing.
Use ‘clean’ hygiene products - Avoid those that contain chemicals and artificial perfumes - put just as much effort into using clean products as you do in eating clean.
Allow your energy to circulate freely - Avoid wearing excessive jewelry - rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and piercings.
Attitude
Preserve your energy - Give of yourself and your resources generously, but only from a place of true desire to serve and only when you have the energy to do so.
Honour negative emotions - Actively work through them so you can organically move on to a pace of authentic positivity.
Enjoy life - Sing a happy song or dance to one of your favourite songs every day.
Develop a sense of humour - keep things light. Relax your face and jaw.
Feel gratitude for your food - Take a minute to give thanks before and after every meal.
Create beautiful environments that support you - Maintain a positive attitude and enjoy the process of becoming healthier and happier every day.
Meditation and exercise
Recharge yourself - Embrace daily quiet time: pray, lie down quietly and take deep breaths, and/or meditate.
Enjoy physical movement - Include exercise as part of your daily life to boost your vitality and feel good in your body.
Experiment with different exercise styles to see what works for you - Try yoga, Pilates, martial arts, walking, running, bicycling, in-line skating, swimming, dancing, weight lifting, or a competitive sport.
Home practices
Keep your home in good order - including the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living room. Your external environment is a reflection of your internal environment.
Freshen and enrich the oxygen content of the air - If possible, include large green plants in every room of your home and office.
Minimize technology time - Stay a good distance away from the television or computer screen when using them.
