Managing family stress is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy and harmonious household. Here are 10 key themes to consider, many of which were part of a recent MOAA webinar hosted by Dr. Wendy Shofer – retired Navy captain, pediatrician and family lifestyle physician, and founder of Family in Focus.

 

Premium and Life members can access the full webinar as part of MOAA’s Webinar Archive.

 

Emotional Health

1. Prioritize Self-Care: Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices will help you manage all types of stress more effectively.

 

2. Stay Engaged: Honest, open communication within family members helps in understanding each other's needs and concerns.

 

3. Build Support Systems: A strong network of friends, family, and professionals can provide emotional balance and practical assistance.

 

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Family Dynamics

4. Establish Structure: A consistent routine can provide stability and reduce stress for all family members.

 

5. Seek Quality Time: Family activities can strengthen bonds and create positive memories.

 

6. Defuse Disagreements: Developing healthy conflict resolution skills will help address these stressful moments constructively.

 

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Practical Strategies

7. Find Family Fitness: Encourage a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and sufficient rest to promote overall well-being for all family members.

 

8. Utilize Stress Management Techniques: Teach and practice deep breathing, meditation, and relaxation exercises.

 

9. Remember You’re Not Alone: Seek professional help when needed, such as counseling or therapy, to address underlying issues and develop coping strategies.

 

Final Thoughts

10. Take a Pause: “I think that the power of the pause is one of the most understated, underappreciated things that we can do,” Schofer said during the webinar. “So often we look at the problems and we’re like, ‘Alright, that’s it, let’s go. Let’s move onto the solution.’ We want to fix the problem. So, in this case, we want to stop feeling that stress. We want to stop feeling alone, or shame, or failure. … Pause and take an inventory. Kind of understand where this is coming from.”

 

By focusing on these themes, families can transform stress into a source of strength, fostering resilience and a supportive environment for all members.

 

Looking for more personal and family optimization strategies? They’ll be a key part of MOAA’s inaugural people-focused conference, TotalForce+, set for Oct. 28-29. Make plans to join us!