Two of the most important factors in every family is health and happiness. One of the best ways to increase your family’s health and happiness is by spending quality time together and taking that time together seriously. Doing this helps create strong bonds and increases the health of those in the family. There are certain actions we can take that can build stronger bonds. Our partners and our kids need a sense of belonging and security and putting emphasis on the happiness and health of your family can do just this. They also need us to show our affection, appreciation and encouragement. Here are seven ways to increase your family’s health and happiness today:

Spending Quality Time Together

If your life and schedule is super hectic spending quality time with your significant other may not be at the forefront of your mind but this is crucial if you are committed to your family’s health and happiness. Schedule some alone time with your partner, maybe to one of the first places you and your partner ever went on a date to or step outside the box, and do something you’ve never done before. Then, stay committed to making quality time a regular thing. This may not only reignite lost passion but remind you what things attracted you to them in the first place. If you have children, designating time for quality time together is also important. Some ways to do this could be movie or game night. You can also be intentional about eating dinner together on select nights out of the week.

Exercise Together

Exercise is important, especially for your family. Some of the key reasons is that it can lower heart risks, control weight and help kids do better in school. It also promotes quality time together. In addition, fitness and family activities together at an early age can help children form healthy habits for life. One of the best ways to do this is for exercise to feel like play. Trying making activities fun and stick to those activities that the family enjoys doing together. If everyone in the family enjoys what they’re doing, they’re more likely to want to continue doing it together.

Increase Water Intake

This may seem like a small thing, but drinking more water can go a long way. Our bodies are 60 percent water and because our body loses water through breathing, sweating and digestion, it’s important to constantly rehydrate. Instead of pushing soda or sugary juices at various meals throughout the day, consider making water the signature drink at mealtime. If you’re packing your child’s lunch, make sure water is included. This promotes a healthy lifestyle for life. The more you increase your water intake, the more your body will crave it.

Counseling

Most people cringe when they hear the word "counseling," but depending on where you are with your partner, talking to a professional, whether it be a minister or therapist, may be exactly what the doctor ordered. Often, we walk into our marriages with a lot of pain that we haven’t dealt with and counseling can help you work through those issues. Many couples go through ups and downs in their relationships but it’s the ones who are open to constructive criticism and committed to working on their own faults that survive. Just make sure both of you are on the same page about counseling. Saving a struggling relationship requires two people working together, not one. Counseling can also be good for children if you have them. There may be issues that you need to work through as a family and a mediator can help.

Praying More

It has never been more important for families to pray together. Prayer is one of the best ways to help your family thrive. Busy schedules, technology distractions and a general lack of enthusiasm also make this vital goal difficult. It’s important that we change the focus of our families from the world to the Lord, and the mood of our households from one of frustration to one of peace and joy. When you pray together as a family, each member learns what it means to be intimate with God and when you see answers to prayer, you experience His love and presence in your daily lives.

Practice the Golden Rule

We are all familiar with the Golden Rule, the principle of treating others as one’s self would wish to be treated. One way to increase health and happiness within the family is to always remember this rule. Think about the way you want to be treated and transfer the same thought to the members of your family. If you wouldn’t want your partner to be ugly to you, don’t result to ugliness when you’re upset or not getting your way. If everyone in the family is committed to treating each other the way they want to be treated, our families would be a lot stronger.

Make Communication a Priority

Most problems in relationships are a result of poor communication, or a lack thereof. When an issue arises, instead of immediately getting defensive or jumping on your partner's case, take time to listen to what they have to say, and then offer your suggestion.

Sometimes, after a long and stressful day, all your partner wants to have is a listening ear. While your concerns are important, it’s also important they know that you care enough to step back and understand where they're coming from and what they’re going through. Remember, it’s not always about being right, or winning. This also sets a good example for the children in the relationship.

One of the best things you can do is find fun ways to spend time together as a family group. In a world full of distractions like television and cell phones, sharing meals together and discussing what is happening in life are just a few of the great ways to increase the health and happiness of a family. Tomorrow isn’t promised so it’s imperative that we make our family a priority.