5 Fun Things To Do To Get Your and Your Family’s Mind Off Your Troubles

Stressful seasons come and go—but your response is what matters most. Whether you’re overwhelmed by work, finances, or just the mental weight of the world, your family picks up on that energy too. These fun, simple activities aren’t about ignoring problems—they’re about intentionally creating moments of joy, connection, and calm.

Here are 5 Fun Ways to Shift Your Family’s Focus and Lighten the Mood

1. Watch a Documentary or Uplifting Movie—and Actually Talk About It
   Grab the popcorn, get a hilarious DVD, or find one on your favorite movie streaming service. Let it spark conversation. Share thoughts, feelings, and maybe even some laughs. The reflection time is the real value.
   
   Laughter is a known healer. According to Mayo Clinic, “Whether you’re guffawing at a sitcom on TV or quietly giggling at a newspaper cartoon, laughing does you good. Laughter is a great form of stress relief, and that’s no joke.”
   
   According to Help Guide, “With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.”

2. Create a “No-Phone” Hour and Play a Game
   Games are fun to play in groups, and there are many to choose from. Card games, puzzles, or a quick round of charades. Something silly that gets everyone off screens and fully present.
   
   Make a Family Bucket List (No Big Budget Required)
   Dream together—places to visit, things to learn, skills to try. Then pick one that’s doable now and make a plan.
   
   
3. Create a hiking treasure hunt.
   Find a nature spot near your home and go and hide some stuff out there. Create hints for those you invite to find the stuff and give a prize to the first person to gather everything on the list.
   
   This is a great activity that you can do with your kids, family members and friends. It also gets you outdoors where nature can help clear your mind and reduce stress.
   
   Take a Walk and “Collect” Something
   Pick a theme—heart-shaped rocks, funny signs, new birds, etc. It gives the walk purpose and keeps everyone engaged.

4. Cook a gourmet meal together and have a family formal dinner party.
   If you like to cook but never had the time, now is a great time to make that gourmet meal. Gather the recipes, go shop and get cooking. Have your family including the kids engage in the cooking and set up process.
   
   Get out the fine china and have a formal dinner party with formal attire and all. This is a great experience for the kids to have and something they are not usually exposed to. If you are single, do the same by inviting a couple of friends over.
   
   It’s less about food, more about bonding.
   
   
5. Disco Saturday Night.
   You likely can’t go to a nightclub right now, but you can create one at home. If you can swing the cost buy a cheap disco ball on eBay, or just get some blue and red light bulbs for your living room.
   
   Create a playlist, or perhaps you have some old disco CD’s laying around (don’t worry we won’t tell anyone). Set up a bar and make drinks, turn out the lights, and let the music take you to fun zone!
   

It’s easy to fall into the habit of powering through stress alone. But sometimes, the healthiest thing you can do—for yourself and your family—is pause and have fun on purpose. These little resets don’t just lighten the mood… they build emotional resilience one moment at a time.

Want more tools to calm your mind and reset your energy—alone or with family?
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