If your family bonding time is spent within an alien-like glow (from the TVs and computer screens in front of your faces), and only your thumbs do the talking, it’s time to revamp your routine. Time spent apart during deployments means even less time together. Make it count when you bond together during family PT time. You can:
- Take a family walk or visit a Morale, Welfare and Recreation fitness facility together.
- Hike in a national park, or search for family excursions through your local Information, Tickets and Travel.
- Walk around your installation become familiar with it.
- Find other families to walk with, especially if you just moved to the area.
- Start a military family walking club that meets once a week for a nice, long stroll.
Staying healthy together can strengthen your bodies and your family bonds. Read more to find out how getting fit as a family can help your communication and relationships.
Swap out your daily screen time for an exercise session and get these benefits:
- Open communication with your family — Talk while you walk (or run, skate or hike) and it may be easier to have those tough conversations or just learn something new about each other.
- Better health — Teach good habits that will last a lifetime. Your kids will thank you for it later.
- Improved moods — Feel those endorphins as a family, and create happy memories that'll get you through the toughest times apart.
- Accountability — Working out as a family is much more motivating, and you'll be less likely to wind up on the couch if you plan group activities.