Fun activities can boost wellbeing

It can take work to maintain your health. But the good news is that you can also make it fun.

Following are a few ideas to boost your family's wellbeing.

Outdoor activities 

• Tap into your inner child. Grab a piece of chalk and draw some sidewalk art or write an inspiring message. Maybe draw a hop-scotch board so the entire neighborhood can participate. 
• Got snow? Don’t just shovel or sweep the driveway or sidewalk. Channel your inner Calvin (from Calvin and Hobbes) and build a creature or object out of the white stuff, just for kicks. 
• Explore your town. Take a walk and learn some history. Check out local museums you may not have visited. Or stroll around a new-to-you neighborhood. 
• Have a silent disco party. Put together your favorite dance tune playlist.
• Host a friendly Olympic-style competition. Get the entire family in on the fun. Some ideas to get you started: Three-legged race, hula hoop challenge or baseball throw.
• Enjoy nature. Dust off your binoculars and go birdwatching.

Being in the great outdoors may lower your blood pressure. And sunshine provides vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium for strong bone growth.

Carla Gerber, a PeaceHealth social worker, notes that, “getting outdoors and even just going for a short, brisk walk around the block can invigorate the spirit and change a grumpy mood into an attitude of gratitude.” 

Indoor activities

• Write in a gratitude journal. Start or end your day with this activity to put your day in perspective. The practice can lead to long-term happiness.
• Create a sleep resolution. Start removing screens from your routine in the last 30 minutes before bedtime. You might also find it helpful to limit late-day coffee and pare down unnecessary distractions from your bedroom.
• Start a meditation routine. Not only can it help you to maintain better focus and concentration, but it also may lower your stress and anxiety. Listen to our webinar series on meditation to learn more benefits.
• Make time for play. Board games, cards or jigsaw puzzles are great for taking a break from screens and for interacting with others in your household.
• Break out a coloring book. Coloring is a great quiet, focused activity.

When should you take things a step further?

If you have feelings of depression or intense emotions that you don’t know how to manage, you may want to schedule a visit to talk with your primary care physician or a PeaceHealth mental health professional.