While in quarantine, families are spending more time together, having meals around the dinner table, playing games, reading stories at bedtime.  There is no longer the hustle and bustle of getting from one activity to the next. In some cases, parents are working from home and kids are involved in e-learning.  It’s a way of life most of us have not experienced. Some may be enjoying this new, slower-paced life, while others are stressed out and struggling to cope with all the changes, including the fear of worrying about exposure to COVID-19.  In the midst of everything, it is important to maintain not only physical and emotional health but also spiritual health.  Now could be the time for your family to make a spiritual connection or reconnection to improve their overall health.  Here are 4 more ways to improve your family’s spiritual health:

1.  Pray Together

Saying a prayer of thanks at mealtime can be a good way to get your family comfortable with praying.  If you have younger children, you may also say a bedtime prayer with them, after a story, when tucking them in at night.  Older children can be encouraged to say a bedtime prayer on their own. You can suggest they pray for the safety and health of their friends and family, since they may have unspoken worries about them.

2.  Watch an Online Service or Devotion

Many spiritual leaders and churches are offering online services and devotions as an alternative to in-person meetings to comply with at-home orders during the quarantine.  Search for a service that meets the spiritual needs of your family and watch and discuss it together.

3.  Listen to Spiritual or Inspirational Music

In addition to listening to secular music, hymns and other spiritual music can be uplifting and relaxing.  There is an endless supply of children’s spiritual music, providing a positive message of love and peace and safety.  To appeal to adolescents, teens, and even young adults, search for current radio stations playing spiritual music or introduce them to familiar hymns.  Music “therapy” can be very beneficial to overall health.

4. Meditate Every Day

It’s wonderful having family togetherness, but everyone needs a little alone time once in a while.  Meditation is a great way to decompress. Each person should have the opportunity and freedom to find a quiet place, with no interruptions or distractions, to find peace and tranquility, reflect on the day, and re-center themselves for better spiritual health.

The stress of the quarantine and COVID-19 can take a toll on all members of the family, from infants and toddlers to teens and young adults.  Physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health are all important in coping with these stressors. For more information on healthy living visit Avidity Medical Design Academy or read more informative articles on our blog.