Spending time with your family is such a special thing, but when at home, it's easy to default to watching TV or playing video games. When this happens, it can be hard to spend any time together at all. We are so easily sucked into the virtual world that we often forget to live in the present.
There are so many things that you can do together as a family that don't involve screens. Having balance in our lives and ensuring we spend time doing good, helpful things is vital for our mental health and wellbeing.
But where should you start? When we are so used to being entertained by screens, it can be hard to come up with new ideas that don't involve them. But don't worry, we've got you covered; this is why we've compiled this list of exciting, healthy activities your whole family can do at home together - without any screens!
Cooking and Baking
What better way to spend some quality time together than by whipping up a delicious meal or treat? Cooking and baking are lovely past times to do as a family, and it's also a perfect chance to teach your children valuable life skills.
If you have young children, get them involved in the kitchen by letting them decide what to make from a cookbook or stir the mix. For older children, you could let them take charge of a meal and cook it from start to finish. This is an excellent way for them to learn about healthy eating and give them a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Plus, the best part of making food is that you get to eat the results! So, sit down together as a family and enjoy the meal that you made together. Yum!
Get Active Together
Don't worry. We aren't suggesting you shut down your screens and run off to the gym for a hard workout. There are plenty of ways to get active together as a family without you even realising it!
Getting out and about in nature, even if it's just your backyard, is great for our mental health. Immersing ourselves in nature is proven to reduce stress, improve moods and even boost energy levels. So, it's a win-win for everyone!
Get the bikes, scooters or skateboards out of the garage and go for a family ride. An example of just one fun activity to do together, and it's also a great way to explore your neighbourhood or local area. If you don't have items like this, why not go for a family walk instead?
Younger children will love running around and exploring nature, while older children and adults can enjoy some quality time together. Taking a family walk around a local nature trail and picking some wildflowers, or even just to the shops, is a brilliant way to get the blood pumping and some fresh air into your lungs. Plus, this is an excellent opportunity to catch up with each other and chat without any distractions.
Arts and Crafts
There's no need to be a master artist to enjoy some arts and crafts with your family. Getting crafty is a great activity for all ages and a fantastic way to get creative. You also don't need a considerable art supply to get started; it's easy enough to utilise items you already have around the house.
Snip some pictures out of magazines or newspapers and make a collage, make a paper aeroplane or a paper chain from old letters and toilet roll tubes make binoculars!
You can also use arts and crafts as an opportunity to teach your children about different cultures, religions and history. It can also be used as a great way for them to learn about their lineage; for example, create a family tree with pictures and information about your ancestors. The possibilities are endless!
Puzzles and Games
This activity is a fantastic way to spend some quality time together as a family. They're also a great way to teach children about patience, problem-solving and strategy. Best of all, there are puzzles and games to suit all ages and interests.
You could try simple jigsaw puzzles or memory games if you have young children. For older children, you could try board games or even a game like charades which don't require any materials. If you have a competitive family, you could even try your hand at a game of table tennis or darts, depending on what you have access to.
No matter what games you choose to play, this is a great opportunity to have some fun, promote wellness and make some cherished memories together.
Dance Party
Get those dancing shoes on and let loose with a family dance party! This is a lovely way to have fun, increase wellbeing and let off some steam. You can turn up the volume, clear some space and dance around like no one is watching. It's guaranteed to put a smile on the faces of your loved ones.
For added fun, you could create a dance routine to your favourite song or even make up your own moves. You could also incorporate some props, like scarves or hats, to really get into the spirit of things.
This is a super fun activity for rainy days or any time you need to inject some good times and laughter into the family. Get your party on, your mental health and wellness with thank you!
Conclusion
There are plenty of healthy activities that you can do at home with your family to reduce screen time. From exploring nature to getting creative with arts and crafts, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, get the family off the electronics and have fun!
These ideas will help reduce screen time and promote your family's wellness and wellbeing, which are vital for our mental health. Another fantastic activity that all the family can get involved in is aromatherapy! After you've had fun with your family, without any screens, you can unwind with one of our high-quality, expertly sourced essential oil blends.