CELEBRATING FAMILY HEALTH AND FITNESS DAY:
A Commitment to Togetherness and Well-being
Family Health and Fitness Day is a nationwide awareness day promoting the importance of physical activity and healthy living for families. This day emphasizes that staying active and healthy doesn’t have to be costly or complicated, and better when families can enjoy activities together. Spending quality time together engaging in fun, fitness-related activities strengthens family bonds and enhances overall well-being. NACoA passionately advocates for this year-round, highlighting the healing and transformative power of family togetherness in building healthier, happier lives.
More Important for Families Impacted by Addiction
Physical activity is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, offering numerous benefits for both the body and mind. Regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health, boost mood, enhance cognitive function, and increase overall energy levels. For families dealing with addiction and its related trauma, otherwise known as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), it becomes even more important. As humans, we hold the impact of the unresolvable stress in our bodies. Exercise opens the communication between the body and the mind, and helps work through these effects, cleansing the body and leaving positive effects on blood flow, vessels, and bodily functions. This healthier state helps to restore a sense of resilience and promotes a more positive ability to manage the everyday issues that arise.
The Center for Youth Wellness and Zero to Three remind us in their information sheet Promoting Exercise that the healing potential of exercise can mitigate vulnerability of serious health issues later in life for children in households impacted by ACEs: “Exercise is also a good way to fight the effects of toxic stress. It can reduce the risk of obesity and other health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Daily physical activity for children can help improve behavior and concentration, boost the immune system, and reduce stress hormones—all are areas that can be affected by ACEs.”
When a family member is struggling with addiction, others in the family may begin to isolate and break down communication with each other, increasing fear, anxiety, and depression. Engaging in physical activities together can reunite families, foster closer relationships, improve communication, and create lasting memories. NACoA underscores that these activities don’t have to be expensive or elaborate; the key is to find joy in being active together.
NACoA’s whole family recovery program Celebrating Families! emphasizes the importance of such togetherness. Prioritizing the importance of individual health and healing, as well as the family unit, Celebrating Families! helps families become healthier – emotionally, socially, and physically – by teaching them to celebrate life in ways that build strength, resilience, and lasting connections. Every session ends by bringing families together in meaningful ways that enhance their collective well-being.
NACoA’s advocacy highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment where children feel safe and valued. For children of addiction, the stability and encouragement provided by family activities can be particularly beneficial. These moments of togetherness can serve as a buffer against the challenges they may face, providing a sense of normalcy and joy that is crucial for their development. For adults, the family activities can provide for them nurturing experiences that may not have been possible with their own parents who were distracted and consumed by their own addictions.
Fun for the Entire Family!
The celebration of Family Health and Fitness Day is an excellent opportunity to explore various fun and affordable activities. Families can take walks in the park, have a picnic followed by a game of frisbee or soccer, go hiking on local trails, or even dance together in the living room. These simple yet effective activities not only promote physical health but also provide an avenue for family members to connect and support one another.
Family Health and Fitness Day also serves as a platform to raise awareness about the accessibility of fitness activities. Community centers, local parks, and recreational areas often offer free or low-cost options for families to engage in physical activities. By utilizing these resources, families can maintain an active lifestyle without financial strain. Additionally, many communities host events and activities specifically for this day, providing even more opportunities for families to get involved.
Let’s all remember that Family Health and Fitness Day is a celebration of the vital role that physical activity and togetherness play in fostering healthy families. This isn’t about spending money; it is investing time and energy into activities that bring families closer. By engaging in fun, fitness-related activities, families can strengthen their bonds, improve their health, and create a supportive environment that nurtures everyone’s well-being. As we celebrate this day and incorporate more into our daily lives – let’s embrace the spirit of togetherness and commit to building healthier, happier families through simple, joyful activities.
For More Information and Great Ideas
CDC: Physical Activity Basics – Benefits of Physical Activity
Sesame Workshop: Physical Activity
Fitness as a Family: How to Get Moving With Kids of Any Age
