How Healthy Family Relationships Are Good For Your Overall Health
Happy families are also healthy families. When families are cohesive – that is, when they share an emotional bond, a sense of unity, a feeling of connectedness, when they support, communicate with and care for each other, and share common goals, values and traditions – this sense of togetherness helps families build resilience, navigate challenges and promote overall wellbeing.
How does family cohesion affect health?
Family cohesion fosters a supportive environment, promoting healthier lifestyle choices. When family members are close, they tend to engage in shared activities such as regular meals and exercise, leading to better nutrition and physical health.
Cohesion also encourages open communication, which reduces stress and provides emotional support. This lower stress level can improve mental health and decrease the risk of stress-related illnesses. Furthermore, cohesive families often encourage each other to avoid risky behaviours and harmful lifestyle habits.
Conversely, when families are not cohesive, members may experience more stress and anxiety due to unresolved conflicts and lack of communication. This stress can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and overeating.
How to nurture family cohesion
Spend quality time together without distractions like phones or TV. Activities such as family dinners or game nights foster connection.
Encourage honest conversations and open communication, where everyone feels heard and valued.
Bond over shared goals or projects such as planning vacations or volunteering.
Offer emotional support to each other and be present during challenging times. Thia helps in building trust.
How to nurture family-wide health
Eat healthily, preparing balanced meals that focus on fresh, whole foods. Encourage family cooking sessions to promote regular healthy eating habits.
Engage in exercise and physical activities together like family walks or fitness challenges.
Support each other’s mental health with open communication and emotional support.
Schedule regular medical check-ups for all family members to ensure ongoing health.
Conclusion
Healthy family relationships add to your sense of security and wellbeing. Encouraging each other in healthy habits, and being there for each other in times of stress, can help us to maintain our physical and mental health.
Family Wellness at Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som
Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som in Qatar is one of the first in the world to offer retreats designed specifically for families. Family retreats help build and nurture cohesion by providing a space for families to bond over shared experiences. They also promote overall family health through physical activity, healthy meals and relaxation practices.
Dr. Jason Culp, Research and Development Director, Chiva-Som
For the past decade, Dr. Culp has held the position of senior naturopathic physician at Chiva-Som in Hua Hin, where he conducts natural wellness consultations with guests. In addition to his role as naturopath, he is the founder and director of the Research & Development department, with the primary objective of evaluating and exploring the use of evidence-based natural therapies in a holistic wellness setting.
Dr. Culp lectures internationally on the topic of wellness. His philosophy is that in order to create sustainable health, guests must fully engage and play an active participatory role in their own wellness process. The empowerment of the individual and the guest’s authentic understanding of their wellness goals, intentions and motivations take precedence in health and healing. In this way, each guest leaves with the feeling that they are the most powerful advocate in their own wellness journey.