Health & Wellness
Mental Health Benefits of Family Gatherings
Families have always been a great source of support and love for each other. But, when someone is struggling with mental health issues, it can be challenging to know how to help them. Mental illness affects about one in four people during their lifetime- so chances are you’ll need some guidance at some point! This blog post will highlight the benefits that friends and family gatherings provide for those living with mental illness.
Ways to make your next family gathering successful
- Pretend you are a guest and not the host. Think about what would make your guests feel comfortable, unique, and at home
- Plan ahead. Make lists of everything needed for each activity, like games or food before the event, so there is more time to enjoy it with loved ones.
- Know yourself. If anxiety can get in the way of a gathering, practice-controlled breathing and meditation before the event
- Consider some outside help. If you need someone to check in with during the party or anxiety becomes overwhelming, talk with your doctor about medication options.
- Organize some games for you and your loved ones to enjoy. There are lots of games you can play with your family and friends including shuffleboard, table tennis, and air hockey so that you can have fun beating your friends.
What is a family gathering, and why do they matter
Gatherings are more than just an opportunity to catch up and have fun. They can provide therapeutic benefits for mental health, including emotional support, social interaction with peers, connection to community organizations or groups that assist in recovery efforts. Gatherings can also help reduce isolation by providing a sense of belonging.
A family gathering can be a powerful experience. Whether it’s cooking together, playing games, or just sitting around the dinner table talking, family members can find comfort in being with other people who “get” them and have their backs.
Tips for making the most of your time with loved ones
- Quality time: make your loved ones feel important by giving them a chance to talk about what’s going on in their lives. The more you get to know those closest to you, the better your relationship will be with them and yourself as well.
- Plan for it: Going into an event unprepared can cause stress or confusion that could have been avoided if preparation had taken place beforehand.
- Take turns to converse: It is impossible for everyone at the table not only to speak but also listen all night long, so take turn engaging guests when they are able – even if this means taking over dinner conversation now and then!
How to keep up with social media while spending time with friends or family
While it might be tempting to pull out your phone and start scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter while talking with friends or family members, you’ll find that the old-fashioned interactions are more valuable. As a bonus, you won’t have any regrets in the morning about missing something on social media!
Here’s how not to miss the benefits of socializing with friends and family:
- Put your phone in another room. This will ensure that you can focus entirely on what’s happening around you without being distracted by notifications or messages popping up.
- If someone asks about something going on online, tell them how much fun it is to find new things together.
- If you’re at an event, ask other people about their day and get to know them better! You may find that they have many of the same interests as you or are interested in learning more about your passions.
The importance of taking care of yourself during and after gatherings.
Taking time to focus on your mental health during a family gathering is essential, but it can be difficult with the hustle and bustle of these events. When planning for a family event, you should: Plan by finding out what you need to bring to make the event as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
Remember that family members are more vulnerable than others, such as those with mental health conditions or illnesses. This person may not know how to advocate for themselves even when their needs differ from yours. You can help by providing a safe space and supporting this person in ways they need.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself, too.
Taking time for self-care is essential during gatherings as it can be emotionally draining on you, affecting the rest of your family members. You will most likely come home from a group feeling tired – so make sure to get enough rest, eat healthily, and drink a lot of water.
If you feel overwhelmed or out-of-sorts after the event, it may be time to take some time off for self-care.
To summarize it all
We are all unique and different, but family gatherings help us realize that we have more in common than not. The next time you find yourself feeling down or overwhelmed with your life’s challenges, try to take a step back and reflect on the moments of happiness shared at family gatherings. You might just be surprised by how much good it can do for your mental health!
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