Those days or weeks where I am starting to feel the stress creeping up on me, the quickest way for me to reset my mind is to spend time with the people I love the most. Spending time with my kids and spouse bring me back to what really matters. The time together helps me get out of my own head and look past the pile of work, laundry, and never ending to-do list.
Being around my favorite people gives me a renewed sense of energy. Smiling faces and kid laughter instantly calm my mind and make it easier to breathe deep. It is especially helpful if we are outside and I am not noticing what still needs to be picked up around the house. Just generally being outside is a mood lifter for me, so if the kids are happy and playing it is a bonus.
I do not want to claim our family outings are reminiscent of Julie Andrews running along the Salzburg countryside with The Sound of Music playing, because our kids always bring an element of unpredictability to the outing. It is best for us if the youngest is not too tired, there is a bathroom nearby to avoid panic moments, and snacks and then more snacks.
It is also essential to Keep It Simple Stupid. This principal is touted for businesses, software development, politics, and more. I think it is also essential for a family outing where I am really looking to breathe and enjoy the moment. “Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify.” I think Henry David Thoreau wrote those words just for parents who were taking their kids out of the house.
When I am looking for a laid back family outing to refocus, I am not thinking of an all day trip to the Zoo, Legoland, or Worlds of Fun. I am thinking simple. We love going to the park and playing on the playground, eating sandwiches at a picnic table; walk to the creek by our house to explore; playing in the sprinkler (yes we are those people); eating popcorn and checking out the train exhibit at Union Station; or checking out a few galleries at Nelson Atkins and then roaming the sculpture park. Nothing complicated and nothing that requires extensive packing of essentials in the backpack. Those trips where we are loading enough supplies for every what if moment, are not helping my stress levels. These activities are also easy on the wallet, do not fall into the trap that a great family experience needs to be costly.
Take time to step back and enjoy the smiles surrounding you.
Cassie