The secret to a happy home life: wholesome living for the whole family

A recent study completed by the University of Michigan revealed that families who took time to enjoy meals together around the dinner table and practice healthy habits developed stronger relationships, better communication skills, and overall had a higher level of well-being. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are feeling disconnected from family and friends and are seeking out ways to reconnect.

Practicing wholesome living is gaining popularity as an effective way to create a positive and happy home life for yourself and those around you. In our latest blog post, we'll delve into what wholesome living means, why it's crucial for family relationships, and provide tips for how the entire family can live more wholesomely.

Whether you're a parent, a grandparent, or just looking to improve your overall well-being, this post is for you. Get ready to learn about the secrets to a happy and fulfilled life!

What does wholesome living for the whole family mean?

Wholesome living is a holistic approach to living that focuses on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It encompasses a wide range of practices and behaviors that are aimed at promoting health and happiness in all aspects of life.

Wholesome living involves making positive and healthy choices in areas such as nutrition, exercise, relationships, personal growth, and leisure activities. It also includes taking care of one's environment and engaging in activities that are environmentally conscious and sustainable.

In short, wholesome living is about creating a balanced, fulfilling, and meaningful life. It's a lifestyle choice that prioritizes personal and familial happiness, health, and well-being.

Why is it important to maintain a wholesome family relationship?

Maintaining a wholesome family relationship is important for several reasons:

Promotes healthy habits for mental and physical health

Studies have shown that people with strong family relationships have better physical health. A supportive and loving family can help reduce stress, which is known to have a negative impact on physical health.

Family relationships can also provide emotional support and stability during difficult times. This can have a positive impact on mental health and reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

Develops strong relationships

When families engage in wholesome activities together, they create shared experiences and memories that strengthen their bonds. This creates a sense of unity and belonging that lasts a lifetime.

Allows for better communication and conflict resolution

A wholesome relationship is built on open and honest communication. This leads to a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other's perspectives and needs. Additionally, it allows family members to be better equipped to resolve conflicts as they arise.

10 tips for more wholesome living for the whole family

Living a wholesome life can be a challenge in today's fast-paced, technology-driven world. However, with a little effort and planning, it is possible to create a healthier and more fulfilling life for the entire family.

By incorporating these 10 tips into your daily routine, you can experience the benefits of wholesome living for yourself and for those you love.

1. Stay active

Exercise is essential for maintaining physical and mental health for a number of reasons. Exercise helps reduce stress and boosts energy levels, while also increasing strength and endurance.

Incorporate physical activities into your daily routine by taking the family on a walk or bike ride after dinner or scheduling weekly park visits. When the weather is warm, finding enjoyable activities like swimming or playing a game of tag is another great way to get the whole family moving.

2. Get good sleep

Not getting enough quality sleep can result in increased irritability, high levels of stress and anxiety, and decreased brain function. Sleep plays a vital role in physical, mental, and emotional health, and it is essential for a happy and satisfying life. By prioritizing sleep and ensuring that everyone in the family is getting enough quality sleep, families can improve their overall happiness and wellness.

The amount of sleep a child or adult needs can vary based on factors such as age, individual differences, and lifestyle. However, the National Sleep Foundation provides general guidelines for the amount of sleep needed by age group:

It's important to note that these are general guidelines and some individuals may require more or less sleep. Additionally, factors such as stress, physical activity, and other health conditions can also impact the amount of sleep needed.

It's recommended to speak with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about the amount of sleep you or your child is getting.

3. Taking in more whole grains at breakfast

There are two primary types of grains that differ in their processing and nutrient content.

Whole grains are unprocessed or minimally processed grains that contain all three parts of the grain kernel - the bran, germ, and endosperm. Whole grains are a good source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and have been linked to various health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and other physical health problems. Examples of whole grains include brown rice, whole wheat, oats, and quinoa.

Refined grains, on the other hand, are grains that have had the bran and germ removed, leaving only the endosperm. This process strips away much of the grain's fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making these grains a less nutritious option. Refined grains are commonly found in processed foods, such as white bread, pasta, and crackers.

Incorporating more whole grains into your family's breakfast is an important aspect of a wholesome lifestyle. Start by experimenting with different whole-grain options and recipes to find what works best for your spouse and kids. Many families opt for quick options like whole-grain granola bars or cereal, but if you have extra time for food preparation, whole-grain pancakes or muffins are also great on-the-go solutions.

4. Try to discover new things together

When families engage in new activities together, they are given the opportunity to communicate and connect in new and meaningful ways. This can help to improve overall communication within the family and foster deeper connections between family members.

These shared experiences and activities can also help individuals to develop new skills, learn about themselves and others, and grow in new and exciting ways. This personal growth can help to bring everyone closer, as members of the family support and encourage each other in their personal journeys.

Remember that the point of choosing new things to do together is to have fun and bond as a family. Make sure to choose activities that are enjoyable and that everyone is excited about. Consider taking a cooking or dance class together, going camping, or visiting historical sites.

5. Have family meals based on a healthy diet

Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of healthy foods and limits junk food can help to improve the overall wellness of family members, leading to increased energy levels, a stronger immune system, and a reduced risk of poor heart health. Taking time to sit down and enjoy a meal together can also help to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and give your whole family an opportunity to connect on a deeper level.

With some effort and creativity, families can make mealtime a fun and meaningful experience that brings everyone closer together. If your family isn't used to eating together, start with just one meal a week and gradually increase from there. Make mealtime a fun and enjoyable experience by incorporating games, conversation starters, or even a fun theme for the meal.

To add some mindfulness to your family dinner, consider designating a gratitude jar and challenge everyone in your home to write down 3 things they are thankful for each day. Then each night at dinner, take turns passing around the gratitude jar and reading the responses.

6. Find ways to manage stress

Stress can impact the health and happiness of family members in many ways, so it's important to manage stress together. Mindfulness practices be can powerful tools for helping those around you become more aware of their thoughts and emotions, resulting in reduced stress and improved mental clarity. Encourage family members to practice things like yoga or meditation together.

It's true what they say; sometimes laughter is the best medicine! Humor is another good example of a great stress reliever for the whole family. Spend time watching a funny movie or host a joke-telling contest to get everyone engaged and laughing.

If stress is becoming a major issue, consider seeking the help of a therapist, life coach, or counselor. They can provide valuable insights and techniques for managing stress for the whole family.

7. Spend quality time with your loved ones

Spending quality time together is another important part of wholesome living, and there are countless activities that can provide opportunities for families to connect, bond, and create memories. If you are feeling up for a little friendly competition, get together for a game night or work on a puzzle as a family. Art projects, such as painting, drawing, or sculpting, can also be fun and creative experiences for everyone to participate in.

Volunteer work is another great way to spend time as a family giving back to the community. Look for opportunities to serve food to the homeless, prepare meals for families in need, or donate your time to local organizational causes.

However the time is spent, by prioritizing intentional time together, families can strengthen their relationships and create a more wholesome lifestyle.

8. Work together to accomplish a goal

Working together towards a common goal as a family has numerous benefits that contribute to a wholesome living. Firstly, it creates a sense of unity and togetherness, as everyone is focused on a shared objective and working towards a common purpose. This can help to strengthen bonds between family members and increase their sense of belonging to a supportive community.

Working together can also provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem, especially when the goal is achieved. It allows everyone to take pride in what they have achieved together and can serve as a reminder of the positive impact they can have when they work as a team.

Set aside some time for the whole family to discuss possible goals, and once a decision has been made and the steps to accomplish the goal have been laid out, divide tasks amongst members of the family and get after it!

9. Track your family's health

Tracking your family's health can be a valuable tool in promoting and maintaining wholesome living for the whole family. Encourage everyone to keep a food diary, where they can record what they eat and drink each day. This will give you a clear idea of their dietary habits and help you identify areas that need improvement.

Tracking healthy living activities like walking, running, playing sports, etc. will also help you determine if your family is meeting the recommended guidelines for physical activity.

There are many apps and websites that can help you track your family's health. These tools can be useful for tracking food intake, physical activity, sleep patterns, and medical appointments. By tracking your family's overall health, you can identify areas that need improvement, make changes to promote healthier habits, and monitor progress over time.

10. Prioritize modeling healthy behaviors

Last but not least, modeling healthy behavior is an important aspect of promoting a healthy lifestyle. Children and teenagers are more likely to adopt healthy behaviors if they see their parents engaging in these behaviors. By setting a positive example, encouraging healthy habits, and promoting positive attitudes, you can help your family adopt strategies and healthy behaviors that can benefit them for a lifetime.

Teaching children the importance of staying physically active and having good eating habits is vital for the child's growth and development, which can be an overwhelming task for some parents. If you find yourself struggling to make your home routine healthy, there are a number of online resources and free videos that can help you out. Trying searching for a healthy food blog or a Youtube channel that is geared towards educating children about good health topics such as nutritional value, healthy eating habits, or ways to stay healthy.

Recap: creating real happiness through a healthy lifestyle

Wholesome living for the whole family is not just about a physically healthy life, but also about emotional and mental wellness. Healthy eating, living an active lifestyle, investing in social relationships, and limiting screen time are just a few of the ways you can begin prioritizing wholesome living for the whole family. With a few positive changes to your family's lifestyle, you can build a strong and close-knit unit that will last a lifetime.

Remember, having a happy home life is not a secret but a choice. So choose to make wholesome living a part of your daily routine and wellness journey, and watch as your family grows stronger and happier each day.