- Being close to family members has numerous benefits, such as reducing stress, increasing happiness, and promoting better mental health.
- Creating a shared shirt with all the family members’ names can help keep families close.
- Making a photo album and having regular movie nights are great bonding activities for the family.
- Walking in nature together can provide physical and mental health benefits.
- Connecting with family is an important part of life that can positively affect well-being.
The hustle and bustle of everyday life can affect your mental health. Anxiety, stress, and depression are all too common among many people. However, did you know that access to outdoor spaces can be a helpful tool in coping with these struggles? The natural environment offers a respite from the chaos of urban living and provides a space to connect with nature and improve mental health. Here’s what you need to know about being close to your family, its benefits, and how to start doing this.
Americans And Their Family
It’s quite common to see Americans being close to their family members. But about 27% of people have cut ties with family members due to financial problems, abuse, and other disagreements. Family is an important part of life and can be beneficial in many ways.
Benefits Of Being Close To Your Family
Being close to your family has numerous benefits. Here are some of those benefits:
Decreases Stress Levels
When surrounded by our loved ones, we feel a sense of security, comfort, and relaxation. This not only helps us to decrease stress levels but also regulates our mood and emotions. Sharing your problems with family members and having them by your side can help us cope with stress much better. A study conducted by researchers at Penn State University found that people who had close relationships with their families had lower levels of a stress hormone called cortisol.
Increases Happiness
It’s well-known that being in a positive environment can make us happier. Who better to create a happy environment than your family members? Family can help us feel better, especially when we are going through emotionally challenging times. A study in the Journal of Family Psychology found that people with strong family relationships tended to be happier than those without.
Promotes Better Mental Health
Fostering a strong bond with family can promote better mental health and reduce your risk of developing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. When you are close to family, there is a sense of belonging, and you feel less isolated, which can prevent negative thoughts and feelings from taking over. Moreover, having a positive connection to your family can impact your overall well-being, including physical health.
Increases Resilience
In life, when you face difficult situations, having family support can help you to become more resilient. When you face a crisis, being close to family members can provide a support system to share your thoughts, seek advice, and find reassurance. Studies show that individuals who experienced support from their family were more resilient to stress than those who did not have support.
Enhances Self-Worth
Being close to family members can enhance your sense of self-worth. Family members can give you an honest appreciation of who you are, making you feel valuable and significant. Family members can also serve as a mirror to help you see the good in yourselves when you cannot see it. An intimate connection with family can contribute to healthier self-esteem and a positive self-concept.
Ways to Keep Your Families Close
Your family is essential for your mental health. Here are four tips to keep your families close:
Family Shirt
One of the simplest ways to keep your family close is to buy a shirt with all the family members’ names on it. This is a great way to show off how much you love and care for each other, and it also serves as an everyday reminder that your family is together. Contact a local t-shirt screen printing service and give the design you want. They can have the shirts printed in no time!
Family Photo Album
Creating a family photo album is a great way to document all of the memories made together. You can also use this to take more photos of your family, which will be fun and bring everyone closer together.
Family Movie Night
Make movie night a tradition with your family. Whether watching an old classic or a newly released movie, it’s always fun to watch something together. Make sure you share popcorn and snacks for extra bonding moments.
Family Walks in Nature
Finally, walking together in nature is a great way to bond with your family. Not only does this provide physical benefits, but it also provides mental health benefits. Choose some local trails or parks and make it a regular outing for your family.
Your family can provide many benefits to your mental health. It can decrease stress levels, increase happiness, promote better mental health, enhance resilience, and boost self-worth. To keep your families close, consider creating a shared shirt with all the family members’ names, making a family photo album, having regular movie nights together, and going on walks in nature. Doing these activities with your family members will surely create lasting memories together!
