We all suffer from not having enough time in the day to do the tasks we need and the things we enjoy. One of the most important things we are forced to put aside for a later time is spending time with our family. Our lives are so consumed by chasing after temporary things, that we forget to nourish our long-lasting relationships with our family members.

Before discussing ways to incorporate family time into our busy lives, we must first understand the importance and perspective of our family members. Take for example your parents and grandparents who have spent a majority of their lives taking care of you and spending time with you. It is an unexpected change when they do not hear from you or get to spend time with you as they did before. Furthermore, it is important to realize, they many not have many friends or people to talk to or rely on for help when they have troubles. That is why is it important to make sure you spend time with your family and give them the time they deserve.

1) Find out your common interests. Whether it is playing a sport or cooking together, find one thing that each family member enjoys doing. This way, you will be able to hold everyone, including yourself, more accountable to follow through with the plans.

2) Make a book club with your family members. This is a good way to both increase reading and increase family time. Take turns picking books to read so that everyone is engaged.

3) Make use of WhatsApp and other social media groups wisely to reconnect with your family. Do not overuse these apps, but you can you features like face time and voice recording to connect with your family members.

4) Help others with chores around the house. Working on projects together, helps finish the project and you get to spend time with your loved ones.

5) Schedule it into your day or week. Just like you would set a timer to wake up in the morning, you should set a timer to hang out with your family. This way you will not forget and it will become a routine.

The last and most important tip is to spend one day counting the hours you spent on other things and people who are not our family and comparing that with the amount of hours we dedicate to our family. The numbers alone will be alarming, enough to serve as motivation to spend more time with loved ones.

Author's Bio: 

Ambalal M. Patel was a civil contractor by profession. In June 1958, spontaneous Self-Realization occurred within Ambalal M. Patel. From this point on, Ambalal became a Gnani Purush, and the Lord that manifested within him became known as Dada Bhagwan. A Gnani Purush is One who has realized the Self and is able to help others do the same. Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan used to go from town to town and country-to-country to give satsang (spiritual discourse) and impart the knowledge of the Self, as well as knowledge of harmonious worldly interactions to everyone who came to meet him. This spiritual science, known as Akram Vignan, is the step-less path to Self-realization.