Do you ever find that you are distracted when you’re with your kids? Or not fully present with your partner? Do you ever reflect on your time spent with the people that you love, and feel that you lack the joy that you had anticipated? You are not alone in this busy, technology-filled time in our lives. We have five tips for you on how to make the most of your time together, to be more present and feel more joy.
1. Use ‘airplane’ mode.
Turn your smartphone to ‘airplane mode’. Use your camera to snap photos and eternalise the memories, without being distracted by incoming messages or notifications.
2. Schedule your life.
If you schedule your work time, your workouts as well as your family time, then you can be fully present during each, knowing that you have protected time for all of your passions and obligations in your busy life. Share your schedule with your family, so they know when to look forward to your undivided attention. Of course, we also welcome spontaneity on occasion – it’s all about balance!
3. Sharing is caring.
Share your intentions with your partner, and ask them to join you in a common goal. If you both agree to be present and only use your smartphones to document your family time, you can support each other, instead of judge each other. Sound like a good plan?
4. Attitude of gratitude.
Find something that you’re grateful for within your relationship or your family. It’s easy to get caught up in complaints, but science shows that gratitude brings more feelings of joy. Focusing on the positive is a thought habit that our brains can adopt if practiced regularly.
5. Give yourself a break.
“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again”. Don’t beat yourself up! If your kids have meltdowns, or you fight with your partner, or you aren’t fully present that day, move on and try again — after that moment, or on a different day. Life is all about progress, not perfection, friends!
If you have other suggestions for enjoying your time as a family and being fully present, share them with us HERE!