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Time is our most precious resource. Unfortunately, we cannot create more time, we can only make decisions on how to spend what time we are given.

With work and social obligations, we often end up spending less and less time with our families. If you are troubled by this trend, you can do something about it – at least in your own life.

In some circumstances, however, spending time with a loved one may not be enough. If you are concerned about a member of your family – you feel that due to illness or injury, they may be in need of professional live-in care – we would encourage you to explore your options available through a fully regulated live-in care agency such as myhometouch.com.

1 – Limit Your Use of Mobile Devices

It may seem counterintuitive – after all, mobile devices were designed to keep people connected – however, we have enough experience with them and data on them to know that it is true – staying connected to your mobile device coincides with being less connected with those around you.

There is no adequate substitute for real face time, for real physical interaction. And even when we take the steps and take the time to meet our family face to face, we often end up distancing ourselves by going to our mobile devices to check our email or social media platforms.

From time to time, take the time to disconnect so that you can better connect with the people around you.

2 – Travel More

This is perhaps the best way to spend more time with your family, although it isn’t always possible. Traveling is ideal because it means that you and your family are experiencing new things, new places and new activities together. It also means that you are placing some distance between you and many of the time-consuming distractions of home (provided you don’t bring those distractions with you, e.g., mobile devices).

Travelling doesn’t necessarily mean hopping on a plane and going to some far off exotic location. There are surely plenty of interesting day trips you can take to places near you as well.

3 – Take A Day Off

Taking a day off is another great way to spend more time with your family. Not only will this give you the time you need to be with your family, but it will show them that you prioritize them over your work which is important.

Make sure, when you take a day off from work, that you don’t bring your work with you. You have to get in the mindset that when you’re not on the job, you’re on another job – that of strengthening the bond between you and your loved ones.

4 – Eat Together

Eating together in an outdoor BBQ is one of the best ways to spend more time with your family and doing it on a regular basis can help you get in touch with each other more often. Going out to eat can be a great shared experience, but so can staying in and preparing a meal together.

If you stay in and share a meal at home, the best way to take advantage of this opportunity is by preparing the meal together. You will find yourself and your family working together to create not only a delicious meal but a joyful experience. Make sure you also do the cleaning up together, too.

5 – Turn Off the TV and Play Games Instead

While watching a movie or a TV show together can be a good way to spend time together, it is more passive than the ideal bonding activity. Also, there aren’t many opportunities to talk and engage in conversation while a movie or TV is playing.

Instead, turn off the TV and take out a deck of cards or a board game to play as a family. It can also be a good idea to play a game none of you has ever played before. That way everyone is experiencing something new together, and it may help in levelling the playing field if you or a member of your family is particularly competitive.

6 – Volunteer Together

A great way to spend time with your family is by putting that time to good use in helping the less fortunate in your community. You can search for volunteer opportunities online at websites such as VolunteerMatch or JustServe. Additionally, you can find volunteer opportunities at your local community centre or place of worship.

Lend a helping together. Enrich the lives of others while you are enriching your own life and those of your loved ones.

7 – Get Outdoors – Improve Your Health

Spending more time with your family is not only good for them, but it can also do wonders for your health (provided you engage in the right kind of activity). You can go for a hike or take a Frisbee to a nearby park. You will be doing something good for your health and also for the health of your loved ones.

Conclusion

You won’t be able to create any more time, but you do have the power to decide what to do with the time you are given. Spend time with your family. It’s up to you to decide how – and hopefully the suggestions in this article can help.