Creating a peaceful, functional environment isn’t about becoming a hippy, minimalist, tree-hugging, eco-warrior freak (but hey, if that’s your thing, more power to you). It’s really about making your surroundings work for you, not against you. In today’s episode, we discuss environmental wellness and how simple changes in your surroundings can make a huge difference. Zach talks about his love of organization, Hanna shares tips on keeping the home functional with five kids, and we discuss ways to make your environment life-giving.

Key Takeaways:

• Minimize Excess: Less stuff = less stress. Cut down on what you don’t need, and it’s amazing how quickly peace follows.
• Define Your Spaces: Whether it’s a “work zone” or “relax zone,” having designated areas helps set boundaries and keeps things sane (for you and the kids).
• Get Outdoors: A little time outside can reset your energy, clear your mind, and bring some balance to the day.
• Reset to Zero: A nightly tidy-up, even for 10 minutes, makes the space feel fresh. Defined chores let everyone pitch in.
• Progress > Perfection: Environmental wellness isn’t about perfection. It’s about making small, intentional changes that make your environment feel right.

We would love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a review!

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Recommendations:

• Clutter-Free with Kids by Joshua Becker: tips for managing kid-related clutter.
• The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker: finding peace by clearing clutter in every room.
• The Clutter Connection by Cassandra Aarssen: organizing solutions for every personality type.
• Outdoor Kids in an Inside World by Steven Rinella: getting your family out of the house and engaged with nature

Chapters:

01:18 Weekly Updates and Family Stories
06:42 What is Environmental Wellness?
18:04 The Impact of Clutter on Our Minds
27:35 How to Create a Peaceful, Productive Space
45:10 Practical Tips for Setting Up Functional Family Spaces
55:07 Environmental Wellness Recommendations and Final Thoughts

Today, we’re talking about emotional wellness and how it works in our everyday lives. We talk about how emotions act like warning lights, signaling that something deeper might be going on. Zach shares his struggles with big emotions and practical tools that help, and Hanna talks about the challenges of managing emotions as a parent. From learning how to calm ourselves down to teaching our kids how to do the same, we cover it all.

Here’s what we cover:

• Emotions as Warning Lights: they’re more than just feelings , they’re telling us something important.
• Tools for Managing Emotions: cover the main bases like eating, sleeping, exercise and breathing, and how getting outside can make a big difference.
• Parenting with Emotional Health in Mind: helping our kids (and ourselves) manage emotions, especially when things get crazy.
• Healthy Emotional Habits: staying aware of our feelings and pre-deciding to handle stressful moments before they even happen.
• Escaping the Digital Trap: setting screen time boundaries and finding healthier ways to cope.

We would love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a review!

Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Feel free to send us your questions, feedback, or even your favorite jokes to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thewayfampodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recommendations:

• Emotionally Healthy Leader book
• Raising Emotionally Strong Boys book
• Monk Manual planner
• The Power to Change book
• Dwell App

Chapters:

10:00 Emotions as Warning Lights

20:30 Tools for Managing Emotions

35:00 Emotional Health in Parenting

45:00 Healthy Habits for Emotional Regulation

55:00 Closing Thoughts on Emotional Wellness

58:11 Practical Tips and Recommendations