17 Simple Ways To Practice Self-Care Through Family Bonding
“Caring for yourself becomes easier when you’re surrounded by the people who care for you.”
Family time doesn’t always need big plans. Many of our happiest moments come from simple things—walking together, eating as a family, playing games, or enjoying small activities during a trip.
These little moments help us slow down, stay connected, and enjoy each other’s company. In this article, I’m sharing some of our favourite family experiences that brought us joy, calm, and togetherness in everyday life.
1. Walking Together
We go for a daily walk as a family, and it has become our special time together. During the day, the area is usually quiet except for a few walkers, joggers, and people with dogs.
Even though we don’t know each other, we exchange friendly smiles. During school hours, it becomes busy with children and parents.
These walks help us stay active, breathe fresh air, and enjoy simple, peaceful moments as a family.
2. Mindful Travel
We once travelled to Scotland, and the journey was quite long. We went as a big family, so we hired a large car, and my husband and my co-sister took turns driving.
She enjoys driving, so she drove most of the way. Whenever one person felt tired, the other took over. Long drives feel easier when shared with family.
We reached home around 3 a.m., and even though it was a long journey, it felt enjoyable and memorable.
3. Joyful Bites
We have family dine-outs often because it helps us spend time together. My husband enjoys eating outside, while I prefer home-cooked food, so I usually eat at home with our baby and then join him at the restaurant.
Our baby follows my eating habits, so we both have a small snack while my husband enjoys the main course.
It’s our simple way of respecting each other’s choices while still enjoying family time.
4. Ritual Moments
Temple rituals help us stay connected to our traditions and bring a sense of calm. Simple acts like offering prayers or preparing prasadam make us feel grounded and united.
One time, we made Pongal at our kuladeivam (ancestor) temple and shared it along with dishes prepared by my mother-in-law and aunt.
It was a peaceful and special day filled with tradition, love, and togetherness.
5. Peaceful Wandering
We often go window shopping, and even though we don’t buy anything, it still feels nice to look around.
For us, it is almost like visiting a museum—seeing different things, exploring quietly, and enjoying the moment.
Window shopping keeps us connected and gives us simple family time without any pressure to spend.
6. Family Swimming Moments
During our trips, swimming together is always fun. My hair is curly and gets frizzy easily, so I usually avoid getting into the water.
At first, I hesitated when my brother asked me to join, but I finally stepped in. I’m so glad I did—we had such a happy time playing in the water as a family, especially with our little baby.
It reminded me that letting go of small worries can lead to beautiful memories.
7. A Kind Fishing Moment
One resort had a fishing area where they offered to cook any fish we caught. My sister’s son waited patiently and finally caught one fish, and we were all so happy for him.
But when we saw it struggling, we decided to release it. The hook was stuck, so the staff gently helped put the fish back into the water.
It was a sweet, kind moment we still remember.
8. Making Pots Together
Last year, we stayed at a resort that offered pottery making. With the help of the potter master, we created small clay items.
I had no idea what to make since it was my first time, so my husband suggested a small pot. My brother’s wife made a flower vase, and we took both pieces home.
It was a simple, creative, and fun experience.
9. Family Spa Time
We once visited a spa in a Kerala resort with our big family. Some of us chose a foot massage, while others had a full-body Ayurvedic massage.
It was our first spa experience, and it felt relaxing and refreshing. The lady who did my massage spoke Tamil very well and said she learned it by watching Tamil programmes.
She also shared her experience of working in the spa. It was a calm and memorable moment.
10. Warm Family Get-Togethers
We sometimes host small get-togethers at home and prepare all the dishes ourselves. Since we cook only vegetarian food, we plan everything in advance—choosing vegetables, chopping them, and prepping early.
This makes cooking easier on the day guests arrive. After lunch or dinner, we enjoy snacks with tea. If there are leftovers, we offer them to our guests. Everyone helps tidy up, which makes the work light and enjoyable.
These gatherings feel warm and meaningful because they let us socialise, share responsibilities, and enjoy each other’s company.
11. Celebrating in the Function Hall
When the gathering is larger, booking a function hall feels easier. Recently, we celebrated our daughter’s birthday in a hall, and the hotel arranged everything—decorations, soft background music, cake-cutting help, serving, and packing leftovers.
They even made a small poster for the birthday baby. Since everything was organised well, we relaxed, spent time with our guests, and enjoyed the day peacefully.
12. A Floating Bridge Experience
Whenever we visit a Kerala resort, we make sure to go to the beach. On our last trip, the beach had a floating bridge that moved gently with the waves.
Depending on the tide, the bridge rose and fell. We wore waterproof jackets and held each other for safety while walking on it.
It was a unique and fun experience that made us feel even more connected as a family.
13. Caravan Park Adventures
We also visit caravan parks, which usually have many indoor activities like swimming, bowling, and more. We tried bowling for the first time and had so much fun—playing for more than half an hour.
It felt relaxing and joyful. Some activities were free, and others needed payment, but the experience was always enjoyable.
There was also a beach nearby, so we often took gentle walks to enjoy the fresh air and peaceful view.
14. Enjoying Carrom Together
Most resorts offer indoor activities, and one of them is the carrom board. In our resort, the table was placed in the corridor on our floor.
After dinner and before going to sleep, we played for 15 to 20 minutes. Even though it was short, we truly enjoyed playing together.
15. Boathouse Fun with Family
Some resorts have boathouses, which are especially fun for big families. We booked one for half a day and enjoyed a delicious meal cooked by the chef inside the boathouse.
It had a bedroom, a toilet, and a front corridor that felt like a small living room where we all sat and chatted. It was a simple and enjoyable experience.
16. Sibling Race at the Beach
We also had a small running race at the beach between my brother and me. I stood slightly ahead and asked, “Shall we race?” Before he could reply, I started running.
When I looked back, he was chasing me. I won by cheating a little because I started early, but it was all in fun.
Even though we are adults, we enjoyed it like children, adding so much laughter to our day.
17. Childhood Memories on the Swing
Most resorts have swings in front of the rooms or near the restaurant. I have loved swinging since childhood, and every time I sit on one, I feel young again.
During our trips, someone from the family—like my brother or my sister’s son—often gives me a gentle push so I can swing a little higher.
Some swings have wider seats, so my brother and I sit together and enjoy it. These simple moments bring joy and remind me of my childhood.
I hope these small family moments inspire you to spend a little more time with your loved ones.
Feel free to choose the activities that work best for you and enjoy the time together. What matters most is being present and appreciating each other’s company.
Let’s continue to grow together and make space for simple joys in our everyday life. Stay tuned for more mindful moments, and your feedback is always welcome.
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