September wellbeing tips for veteran families

Finding community through shared hobbies

One of the easiest ways to build connection is by getting involved in something you genuinely enjoy and letting conversations flow naturally. Shared interests can be a way to connect and form community. It might be gardening, cooking, fishing, painting, woodworking, pottery or something completely different.

How hobbies bring us together

These activities give us something to focus on and talk about. When your hands are busy and your mind is engaged, the pressure to “make conversation” disappears. It is often in those small moments that trust builds and connection grows.

Across many cultures, hands-on activities have always brought people together. Working side by side allows people to share skills, pass down knowledge and support each other without needing big conversations. Shared hobbies can also create connection across generations. For example, parents teaching a child how to garden or cooking a family recipe can create special memories and strengthen family bonds.

Periods of transition, separation or change can sometimes leave families feeling disconnected or isolated. Engaging in a shared activity can offer a simple and welcoming pathway back into connection. Even just showing up and giving something a try can open the door to new friendships.

Spring into mindfulness

Spring is the perfect time to practice mindfulness, as the warming weather encourages us to step outside after being indoors during winter and reconnect with the natural world. Spending time outdoors, particularly in Spring, can lift mood, improve focus, and reduce stress, heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension, as well as improve overall wellbeing by fostering a sense of presence, positivity and reinvigoration. Some springtime mindfulness activities might include:

Mindfulness practices for the season

• Taking a slow, attentive walk to notice the sounds, sights, and scents of new growth.

• Sitting quietly in a park and focusing on the rhythm of your breath, the birdsong or the cloud patterns.

• Take a blanket and some food to a quiet nature spot and enjoy a picnic, alone or with loved ones.

• Watch a sunrise or sunset, paying attention to the changes in light, colour, sound and atmosphere around you.

• Engaging in mindful gardening by paying attention to the textures, movements and colours of the soil and plants.

• Make some nature art by collecting different coloured or textured leaves, rocks, sticks or bark and letting your creative side shine.

Even simple practices, such as pausing to feel the warmth of the sun on your face or noticing the colours of new blossoming flowers, can cultivate awareness and gratitude, helping to ground us in the present moment and enhance our connection with both ourselves and our environment.