Everyone knows that going on a countryside family trip has many benefits. But like many beneficial habits, it’s easier said than done, and even harder to stick with. How do we do it?
To maintain motivation for something (such as going on family trips), the brain needs to go through these four steps: first, feel pleasure when exposed to the thing; second, remember the pleasant feeling; third, recall this pleasant memory from time to time, looking forward to the next time. Fourth, the good emotions generated from expectations can drive action, even get you prematurely excited.
The main driver of behavior is emotion. The driving force provided by the rational thinking “I should” is not as powerful as the emotional “I want”. The key to the next family trip is whether every participant can have a pleasant and satisfying emotional experience. Don’t worry, it’s not difficult. Nature itself is charming. Our brains are shaped to love blue skies, warm sunshine and soothing plants. We have to avoid any behavior that hinders the immersion in nature, such as lecturing kids while hiking. The mountain road is narrow with no escape routes. It is easy to take the opportunity to complain to family members about life.
A family that truly understands how to live has to be able to bathe in nature. Talk less. Relief your ears and brain from the processing of language and words. Gaze at the mountains. Examine the flowers. Gently adjust the distance of your sight. Look around. It not only stretches the muscles of the eyes but also relaxes the tense brain. This refreshing “brain massage” is a very sweet emotional experience that is bound to be unforgettable. The beautiful emotional memory is deeply imprinted in the mind, providing a strong drive to repetition. What’s even more gratifying is that this beautiful feeling is linked with the adorable faces of your family members, perpetually in your sight during the experience. The next time the whole family goes on a trip, there is no need for bribery or nagging, as it would become a natural and inevitable part of family life. It could even be passed down from generation to generation. Family relationships are cultivated during countryside family trips. Everyone’s health is promoted. The result is a warm family. Let the love of nature become a family heirloom.
Written by: Dr. William Chui
Originally posted on: Health HKEJ
Translated by: Cheuk Long Chan
