7 Fun Activities (and 4 Mindful Exercises) for National Family Fit Lifestyle Month

It’s not only a New Year but a new decade! And is National Family Fit Lifestyle Month coinciding with the physical lifestyle many adapt this time of year. This means it’s the perfect time to get moving in ways the whole family can enjoy.

Use your imagination to create happy and healthy lifestyle habits. Getting active as a family can be a fun adventure and you can make memories that your family will cherish forever.

7 Fun Activities the Whole Family Can Try

Getting and staying active is a lot easier when you do it with someone else. Going out and getting physical in the winter months can be difficult, however, there are many activities you can do that embrace the cold. Or perhaps you are lucky enough to live somewhere that is temperate outside all year long. Either way, grab a loved one, and try one of these 7 fun activities:

1) Walking – A relaxing and easy activity your whole family can enjoy! Go for a stroll through your local park, around the block, or at the local mall if you live somewhere colder.

2) Biking – A perfect activity for the weekend or after dinner on a warmer night. Don’t forget to bike with the proper safety equipment (i.e. helmets)!

3) Swimming – Look up what town or city near you has a local indoor pool you can dive into. Access to a pool can make for a family fun day. In the pool, you can swim or play games such as Marco Polo.

4) Roller Blading – Grab your rollerblades and head to the local roller rink. This retro activity has made a comeback in the last few years and for good reason!

5) Ice Skating – Teaching your kids how to skate can make for a fun, active day the whole family can enjoy.

6) Skiing – This is a popular winter activity that is enjoyed by many families. Ski resorts often offer day courses for kids and adults — teaching you how to ski while making sure everyone is safe.

7) Physical Games – Hit up the gym or school and see what activities are offered to the public. Activities such as basketball, soccer, baseball, bowling, volleyball, etc. are some suggestions of different games to play with your kids.

Depending on where you live, the weather can become pretty cold and snowy in the wintertime limiting the amount of time you can spend outside. You may be surprised to hear you can still find ways to be active even when the weather outside isn’t very nice.

Mindful Exercise Matters Too

Practicing mindfulness in nutrition and exercise is an important complement to the actions you are taking. Being mindful is to be aware of what your body and mind are sensing / feeling at any given moment. Mindfulness is especially important during exercise to help you understand when you’ve reached your limit.

Mindful exercise can help to reduce stress, improve sleep, improve your attention, elevate your mood, reduce anxiety, and improve brain function. Becoming mindful, especially during exercise, takes practice. So, be patient with yourself as you start this journey.

Here are 4 Mindful Exercises to Consider:

Breathing Exercises / Meditation – Sit down in a comfortable position where you feel safe in your environment. Close your eyes and slowly breathe in, then out. Breathe into your belly, as infants do instinctively. Focus on how you feel rather than what your mind thinks. Be compassionate towards yourself.

Yoga – You can find a local yoga studio to practice at or find videos on YouTube to develop a home practice.

Laughter – You’ve heard the saying “laughter is the best medicine” and as it turns out, there is some credit to this notion. Laughing can help to relax your body, boost the immune system, and your brain releases some feel-good chemicals known as endorphins.

Affirmations / Gratitude – Each day, in a journal write down an affirmation or something you are grateful for. It could be as simple or complex as you see fit. You can be grateful for sunshine or hot cocoa or a loved one. The affirmations can be simple too. An example is “I know, accept, and am true to myself.”

No matter what activity you choose, or your family prefers, moving each day with your children and being mindful can instill some great lifestyle habits they will surely carry into their adult life.

Your Turn to Take Action: How will you get active with your family this month? Let me know in the comments below!