Howto Keep Your Family Close in a BusyWorld Staying Connected
Improving the quality of your home’s air can do wonders for your health. When you breathe clean, fresh air, you don’t have to worry about allergies or respiratory irritation. That means more comfort (and easier sleeping) for you and your family. Here are some of the best ways to improve the air quality in your home. Use an air purifier. Air purifiers come in all sizes and strengths. You can get one for a single room or have one installed that will purify the air of your entire home. Purifiers are ideal for homes with pets and allergy sufferers. Lower-end purifiers typically only remove some particles from the air, while higher-end models can remove most particles (but not all). Just be sure to read the specifications carefully to ensure a purifier meets your needs. Additionally, vacuum twice a week with a HEPA filter vacuum. Run your air conditioner or furnace. This is especially important for homes with central air. Running your HVAC system regularly helps circulate and clean the air. As air moves, it passes through the central air filter, helping reduce dust and dander. Changing your filter regularly helps the system clean the air and cool your home more effectively. Find and eliminate mold. Mold severely reduces the air quality in your home. One great way to prevent mold from taking root is to place a dehumidifier in areas of high humidity, such as the bathroom or laundry room. When it comes to mold, prevention is best, but if mold is already in your home, there are ways to get rid of it without using harsh chemicals, including vinegar (just add vinegar to a spray bottle and spray and scrub away) and hydrogen peroxide. However, if you are having a hard time removing the mold or there is a lot of it, call in a professional to take care of it. Keep your windows closed. Some advice suggests that you open your windows to freshen your home’s air. In some cases, yes, it’s effective (like when you burned the pie). But always consider the outside air quality first. If you live near construction, a busy road, or it’s fire season, opening your windows lets all of that pollution in. Improve Your Indoor Air Quality with These Tips
If you feel like you’ve hardly seen your kids since the school year started, you’re
not alone. Americans are way too busy — from childhood onward, we’re always running hither and
thither, packing in as many after-school activities, work- related meetings, and social engagements as possible. It’s a problem so pervasive that it has a name: time scarcity.
Families feel time scarcity keenly after school starts in September, when children’s schedules explode with engagements. But all hope for close ties isn’t lost; there are ways to stay connected with your spouse and
kids, even in an increasingly busy world. Here are some ideas from counsellors, teachers, and psychologists who claim to have mastered the art. Remember Your Rituals Rituals make up the backbone of individual families and society at large. Most people wouldn’t dream of abandoning their holiday traditions, so why forgo the smaller rituals that bring families together? Whether it’s eating dinner at the same table each evening, watching a movie together every Thursday night, or going on a monthly getaway, make sure these traditions aren’t cancelled. If your family doesn’t have many rituals, a great way to connect is to start some. Make Every Moment Count As cliche as it sounds, when you don’t have much time together, it’s crucial to be present for every minute of it. If you have a rare half-hour at home with one of your kids, make a point to spend it in the same room and try to start a conversation. If you squeeze in a romantic dinner with your spouse, turn off your phones before the food comes. Listening to each other without distractions will strengthen your relationship. Hug It Out Physical contact is vital for closeness. When you get the chance, hug your kids, hold hands with your spouse, and do physical activities as a family, like hiking, biking, or even playing group sports. It’s been scientifically proven that physical closeness leads to emotional closeness, so if you’re low on time, take advantage of that shortcut!
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