May is Family Wellness Month—a reminder to pause, take stock of your family’s habits, and consider positive changes, big and small. While it’s always good to be in synch with your crew, it’s more important than ever to have family routines, given the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most people who make changes to their family’s lifestyle concentrate on physical health, suggesting things like walks and fewer sugary treats. But promoting mental health is just as important, and it doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. Here are Be’s tips for promoting positive mental health practices within your family:

  • Establish a baseline: Before suggesting changes to your family’s habits, chat with each member individually to get an idea of how they are feeling. You may think you have a good understanding of the challenges your kids and partner face, but if you ask, you are sure to uncover something new—especially in this uncertain time.
  • Encourage communication: Show your kids it’s okay to talk about anxiety, sadness, and anger. Don’t dismiss them when they discuss their feelings, even if you think they are overreacting,  and be open about your emotions when appropriate. This will help your children understand these emotions are normal and find ways to manage them.
  • Create a family night: With the hustle and bustle of work and school—even while at home—it can be easy to lose track of each other. Establishing a weekly tradition like watching a movie every Friday or ordering takeout Wednesday evenings will bring your family closer and keep lines of communication open.
  • Meditate together: It may seem daunting to introduce meditation and mindfulness to your family, but it’s easier than you think. Start small and try different methods, whether it’s yoga stretches together or discussing what you are grateful for before you eat dinner. Read more about how to get started here.
  • Work boundaries are key:For working parents, creating a work/life balance is critical, and it’s more important than ever right now. With many corporate employees working from home, the lines between our personal and work lives have blurred. If you can, try to set consistent hours and carve out time to be present in your personal life every day. Read more here about how to remain mindful while working from home.

What does family wellness mean to you? Let us know in the comments below and share how you are promoting healthy habits with your crew.