SpookyMrsGreen

#BookTalk: Young Adult Vampire Fun in The Teen Game

Posted on April 14, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen

Happy Hump Day! Here’s a little something playful to brighten your midweek slump.

It is an excerpt from my first published short story, The Teen Game, featured in Devils, Demons and Werewolves under my maiden name, Catherine Hargreaves.

Devils Demons and Werewolves Short Story Anthology featuring vampire writer Catherine Hargreaves aka LGBT Fantasy Book Writer Catherine Green at SpookyMrsGren.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog. — Devils Demons and Werewolves Short Story Anthology featuring vampire writer Catherine Hargreaves aka LGBT Fantasy Book Writer Catherine Green

Excerpt from “The Teen Game” by Catherine Hargreaves

His mouth was a little sloppy I have to admit but it was certainly exciting to be embraced by such a young boy after so many years! I gradually showed him how to kiss me properly using my tongue, lips and teeth and then I felt his hands slide instinctively down my body, although he carefully avoided my breasts to begin with. He was so innocent and clearly a virgin.

As much as I liked to torment myself with my little games, I was thirsty; I hadn’t fed all day and was beginning to feel weak. His pulse was beating against my skin, and I kissed in a seductive line down his jaw until my mouth hovered over that delicate place, and I inhaled his warm, sweet scent. Then I struck, quick, fast, biting a neat little hole and drinking deeply of his youthful blood. He cried out but it was muffled against my hair and I projected calming thoughts into his mind, persuading him that we were simply kissing and caressing each other, nothing more. He became still against me and when I had finished and pushed him gently away, he swayed a little and struggled to focus on my face.

When he spoke his voice was hoarse.

“Whoa that was intense! So, um, I should get you home Liz.”

Buy the Book

The Teen Game: A Vampire Short Story is featured inside Devils, Demons and Werewolves.

The Teen Game: A vampire short story. Devils, Demons and Werewolves book short story anthology. Affiliated with SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog. — The Teen Game: A vampire short story. Devils, Demons and Werewolves book short story anthology.

Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.

Posted in #freeforallFriday, advertising, book promotion, Business, Vampire, vampire books, vampires and werewolves, working mom, working mother, working mum | Tagged #bookblogger, #booktalk, #witchywednesday, Catherine Green Author, Catherine Hargreaves author, Devils Demons and Werewolves, LGBT Fantasy book series for adults, LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green, SpookyMrsGreen, teen vampire, The Teen Game, vampire writer Catherine Green, vampires and werewolves | Leave a comment

#BookTalk: The Vampire of Blackpool Tells Her Story

Posted on April 11, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen

How does it feel to be a vampire in the modern world? Especially a vampire that has seen the world change over centuries, been at the centre of the royal court, and now lives as a recluse in the North of England?

Here is an excerpt from my LGBT fantasy book “Vampire of Blackpool.”

Image of a female vampire facing a vampire hunter man who has his back to the viewer and is holding a knife behind his back. You can see Blackpool Tower and Blackpool Illuminations in the foreground. 3D book cover image for “Vampire of Blackpool” fantasy novel by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green including phone and iPad download images for tablet, iPhone, and android book readers. — LGBT fantasy novel set in Northern England. “Vampire of Blackpool” by Catherine Green.

Excerpt from “Vampire of Blackpool” by Catherine Green

Leaping up into the air, I struggled to ascend at first. My balance was unsteady, and my body felt like a lead weight. Gritting my teeth, I forced my mind to focus, and I managed a swift if unstable flight to the hospital. Fortunately, it was only a short distance away, but by the time I alighted behind a brick store shed in the grounds of my destination, I almost collapsed. I was starving. I was weak. I managed to walk slowly across the road and towards the double doors that led into the waiting room for the casualty department. There were ambulances and vehicles coming and going, but the pavement was strangely empty of people. All the busy life was contained within the building.

Staggering through the automatic doors, I gasped as a wave of sheer exhaustion poured over me. I was descending into bloodlust. I very nearly attacked the first person I set eyes on, but at the last moment managed to control myself. I was surrounded by beating hearts and succulent bodies. I needed blood. As I leaned against the wall, my breath rasping, my eyes wild with hunger and pain, I became aware of voices approaching as two nurses hurried to my aid.

“Here,” one woman shouted, “Let us help you.”

Buy the Book

Dive into the enchanting world of “Vampire of Blackpool” by Catherine Green, a spellbinding LGBT fantasy book! Get it now on Amazon and from your favourite eBook store.

Text reads, "Free e-book download. LGBT werewolf fantasy story. Download Now." Image of a sexy man showing a tattoo on his chest staring at the viewer with a sultry gaze. Vampire and werewolf fantasy books for adults. 3D book cover image for "It's Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)" from the vampire and werewolf fantasy book series by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green. — LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green

Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.

Note: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you buy books using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen and small, independent publishers!

Posted in #freeforallFriday, #LGBTQIA, advertising, book promotion, Business, Vampire, vampire books, working mom, working mother, working mum | Tagged #bookblogger, #booktalk, #freeforallFriday, #indieauthor, Blackpool story, Catherine Green Author, haunted Blackpool, LGBT Fantasy book series for adults, LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green, NEJ Photography, SpookyMrsGreen, summer in Blackpool, Vampire of Blackpool, vampire writer Catherine Green | Leave a comment

My Ideal Writing Day

Posted on April 9, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen

I dream of having time to indulge my writing passion without distractions. Here is my ideal writing day. What is your ideal day?

There are far too many domestic distractions while my children are young, but it is getting easier now that they are growing. Where previously I snatched an hour while they napped, I now have the school day in which to work. Unfortunately, my freelance business takes precedence, alongside my new reiki therapy business, and it takes a lot of time to create social media content and make my name known in the right places. And don’t get me started on the never-ending battle to sell books.

Text reads, "Don't miss out on Catherine Green's latest book!" Image of two women in an intimate pose, one woman is a vampire with blood on her face and the other woman is a vampire hunter holding a knife to the vampire’s chest, drawing blood. 3D book cover image for “Return of the Vampire Hunter” LGBT fantasy book by vampire writer Catherine Green including phone and iPad download images for tablet, iPhone, and android book readers. — LGBT fantasy novel set in Manchester, England. “Return of the Vampire Hunter” by Catherine Green.

My Ideal Writing Day

My current day goes like this: I am in the habit of sitting up late due to our being in lockdown and not having to leave the house. Sometimes I work on my laptop at night, doing tasks that don’t require a lot of thought but that still need doing. I wake up around 7am, make packed lunches for school, get dressed, wake the children, get them ready for school, take them to school. Return home and take the dog for a walk. Spend an hour or so doing ‘motherly’ and ‘housewifely’ chores which include doing the laundry, tidying the kitchen and whatever housework takes precedence on that day. I attend to our life admin, booking necessary doctors, dentist, vet appointments, order groceries and home supplies, or visit the shops for them depending on what is possible during the pandemic.

When I finish the mundane chores, I usually have a couple of hours to do what I call my ‘proper work’ before I collect the children from school. I am lucky that they have one day each week with their grandparents so I can drop them off at school and not see them until their dad brings them home at bedtime. The rest of the week is all about my fitting in what I can. I might get stuck into a task, take a break to do the afternoon school run, come home and resume my task for a couple of hours. I can’t work too late because the children need to be fed and sent to bed at a reasonable hour. If I’m not too tired I might continue working in the evening.

My time will come

It’s an easy life, I know, and I am fully aware that my time for writing will come in a few years’ time when my children can leave the house unattended and prepare their own meals. I am in no way complaining or feeling sorry for myself. Indeed, I am proud of the fact that I managed to write so many novels when the children were infants, and the only reason I don’t do much fiction writing now is because I got busy with my blog and other activities. Reiki practise takes a lot of dedicated time and is important to me. I am thankful to have a career that is fulfilling, even if the income is a little sketchy at times.

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.

Posted in British paranormal romance writer, mother writer, novel writing, pagan mother | Tagged #bloggerslife, #freeforallFriday, #TheRedcliffeNovels, #writingcommunity, being a freelance writer, Catherine Green Author, LGBT Fantasy book series for adults, LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green, my ideal writing day, SpookyMrsGreen, the redcliffe novels, vampire writer Catherine Green | 4 Comments

Chronic Voice Link-up: Keeping it Real in My Life

Posted on April 5, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen

Welcome to April and our monthly Chronic Voice blog link-up. I am balancing my chronic eye disease and the associated pain with my need to move forward in life.

Here is my response to the monthly writing prompts.

My Chronic Pain Journey rare eye disease by Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog. — My Chronic Pain Journey rare eye disease by Catherine Green

Keeping it Real in My Life

SPRINGING: As we move into Spring, I feel like a weight is lifting after the long, cold winter. My garden is coming alive with new shoots and pretty flowers, the trees are growing leaves again, and somehow life doesn’t feel quite so dreary anymore. Despite a recent flare-up with my eye condition that left my face swollen and my vision blurred, I am cheerful about what we have to look forward to.

GROUNDING: While it is easy to forget my problems and my chronic pain on a good day, I am always aware that life goes on, good and bad. A good portion of my reiki lifestyle practice involves grounding work to ensure I stay connected to and aware of the world around me. Life can’t be all sunshine and flowers. Sometimes we work in the shadows too.

LUXURIATING: I decided to treat myself to some new bath and skincare products and so I am luxuriating in the scents and sensations of different bath oils, shower gels and moisturizing creams. When I take a little time with my shower routine and focus on my body, I do feel better. Sometimes all I need is a little time for selfcare and a nice home spa on a chronic pain day.

DAUNTING: We have endured a tough year during the pandemic, and it is not over yet. While we are moving out of lockdown and beginning to socialize, we now face the daunting task of being out in crowds of people again. It seems unthinkable after what has passed, and I have decided to take small steps back into socialising again. I never felt comfortable in large crowds anyway, so this “new normal” might be easier for me to cope with when we have to limit social interaction.

SUSTAINING: I am currently separated from my husband and stuck in some kind of limbo with our relationship. He refuses to accept our situation and I am trying not to make it any worse for our children, meaning I have to spend time in his company. We do get on as friends, but I struggle with my feelings about all that has passed. I am trying to sustain as healthy a relationship as possible, but I don’t know how much longer I can continue when he refuses to repair the damage he has caused.

Chronic Voice Link-Up

I joined the social network for A Chronic Voice because I needed to find people who understand what life is like with chronic illness, people like me. Today I have written a post using the April link-up prompts, to show my experience of living with a chronic pain disorder. Click here to find other blog posts from fellow chronic pain sufferers, or #spoonies as we call ourselves online.

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.

Posted in eye health, health, holistic health, pagan mother | Tagged #achronicvoice, #lifeafterlockdown, #mummymonday, Catherine Green Author, chronic pain condition, chronic voice linkup, LGBT Fantasy book series for adults, LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green, life as a single mum, love and relationships, marriage problems, SpookyMrsGreen, vampire writer Catherine Green | 6 Comments

Happy Easter! #EasterWeekend

Posted on April 4, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen

Happy Easter! And Ostara Blessings. How are you spending the Easter weekend?

It’s another strange one this year. Last year we had been abruptly thrust into lockdown and were still processing the enormity of the coronavirus pandemic. I was grieving for my grandad and trying to support my children as their lives suddenly ended and they couldn’t be with their friends. We did some crafts at home trying to recreate what they should have done with Brownies and Rainbows and what they might have done at school.

Welcome, Ostara! Pagan Fertility Festival with Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog. — Welcome, Ostara! Pagan Fertility Festival

Happy Easter!

This year is much the same. We are emerging from our third UK lockdown but this one is slower and steadier. It is only this week that the “stay at home” order has been lifted by government and we are finally allowed to travel outside our hometown for leisure. It means we can visit my mum, although we are currently only allowed in her garden or a public park. Since she is disabled and rarely leaves home under normal circumstances it will have to be the garden. We might see my dad at some point but by now we are feeling cautious and don’t want to rush back into socialising. I think we have become used to staying at home, so it feels strange to be with other people again.

If the weather is nice, we will most likely be in our garden and might go for a walk or a drive out somewhere. Perhaps we could visit a beach? That would be marvellous. We haven’t seen the sea since August last year, highly unusual for us. Stay safe, everyone. Let’s take it slowly as we ease out of lockdown.

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.

Note: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!

Posted in #freeforallFriday, family, pagan mother | Tagged #affiliatelink, #EasterWeekend, #freeforallFriday, #lifestylebloggeruk, Catherine Green Author, easing lockdown, Happy Easter, LGBT Fantasy book series for adults, LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green, Ostara Blessings, SpookyMrsGreen, UK school holidays, vampire writer Catherine Green | Leave a comment

#BookTalk: Vampire Seduction Games in “The Darkness of Love” by Catherine Green

Posted on April 3, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen

Today I share an excerpt from my Victorian vampire novel “The Darkness of Love.”

In this Gothic adventure we learn how Marcus Scott (from the Redcliffe novels) became the man he is today.

Image of a woman in period dress wearing a masquerade mask, surrounded by two men who are naked and being intimate with her. Vampire fantasy books. 3D book cover image for The Darkness of Love by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green including phone and iPad download images for tablet, iPhone, and android book readers. — Victorian vampire romance novel “The Darkness of Love” by Catherine Green

Excerpt from “The Darkness of Love” by Catherine Green

Gregory smiled as he surveyed the poor, helpless young man in Amelia’s bed. She reported that Marcus had been excellent, strong and compliant, and extremely invigorating. Now he lay staring at Gregory with a mixture of terror and defiance on his youthful face. He swallowed nervously, unsure whether to speak, and he pulled the bed sheet higher as though to try and conceal his obvious state of undress.

“Good morning, Marcus,” Lord Stockton said as he approached the bed, “I understand you are feeling ill.”

Marcus nodded.

“I apologize, my Lord,” he replied in a hoarse voice, “this appears very improper, and it will not happen again.”

“Do not fear me, Marcus, at least not yet” Gregory replied briskly, “You may rest for a while until you are strong enough to return to your room. I do not require your assistance today; I would rather you regain your strength. Now rest, and I will send a maid with clothes and food for you. I am sure this is simply a lethargy and will pass within the day.”

“Thank you, my Lord,” Marcus replied weakly, “I am indebted to you.”

“No matter,” Gregory said, “I am aware of Amelia’s activity, and I understand that you were totally at her mercy. We will not speak of this again.”

Buy the Book

Sensual Victorian romance with a sexy vampire twist – it’s a must-read! Grab your copy now: Amazon; Other eBook stores.

Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.

Posted in #freeforallFriday, #LGBTQIA, advertising, book promotion, Business, the darkness of love, working mom, working mother, working mum | Tagged #bookblogger, #booktalk, #freeforallFriday, #TheRedcliffeNovels, Catherine Green Author, historical vampire novel, LGBT Fantasy book series for adults, LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green, SpookyMrsGreen, The Darkness of Love, The Darkness of Love by Catherine Green, vampire writer Catherine Green, Victorian Gothic, Victorian vampire story | Leave a comment

How to Use Social Media as an Author

Posted on April 2, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen

Do you tweet? Do you share posts on Facebook, have a Facebook page, Facebook group, Instagram account, Pinterest, Linked In… the list goes on.

How do we effectively use social media as Indie authors?

Image of a woman standing between two men who are partly in shadow. All are dressed in black clothes and look mysterious. 3D book cover image for "Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel)" from the vampire and werewolf fantasy book series by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green including phone and iPad download images for tablet, iPhone, and android book readers. — LGBT fantasy book series set in Cornwall. “Love Hurts (The Redcliffe Novels)” #1 by Catherine Green.

How to Use Social Media as an Author

I cannot answer this question. I am very much using the “learn as you go” technique when it comes to social media. I did an online training course several years ago that taught me about the importance of a mailing list and which platforms were more effective to promote and sell my books. Since then we have experienced the emergence of Instagram as a serious player in the business of selling products. Where I used to spend a lot of time trying to cross-promote other authors on Twitter and Facebook, gradually I realised it was a pointless task. I was wasting my time. I didn’t know what else to do and I don’t have the funds for a comprehensive marketing and advertising plan, so I had to muddle through and experiment.

More recently I am turning to Instagram as a platform to demonstrate my books. I just need to learn how to find my audience and where to find them. I look at bestselling authors and wonder how the heck they manage to gain hundreds of thousands of dedicated followers that love every single piece of content they post. It is a mystery, known only to the industry specialists.

It all comes down to money

You see, that is where my problem lies. I am a bloody good writer. I haven’t yet found a large publishing company or a decent agent that likes my books. I was offered a publishing contract many years ago from one of the big publishers, but they charged a large amount of money for the service. I simply couldn’t afford it at the time. The bookselling game comes down to one thing: Money. If you have access to funds, then you can sell millions of books. If you don’t, then you splash around in the shallows and never quite reach that magical island of fame and fortune. I refuse to give up. I may be focusing my work on the lifestyle blog and my reiki business right now, but my novels will always be a part of me. Redcliffe is not finished yet, and neither am I.

What advice can you give to this confused and frustrated author? All comments and personal experiences welcome…

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.

Posted in #freeforallFriday, advertising, book promotion, Business, social networks, working mom, working mother, working mum | Tagged #freeforallFriday, #lifestylebloggeruk, #TheRedcliffeNovels, books and writing, Catherine Green Author, having a social platform, how to sell your books, how to use social media as an author, LGBT Fantasy book series for adults, LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green, love hurts a redcliffe novel, SpookyMrsGreen, vampire writer Catherine Green | 3 Comments

Ostara Tarot Card Reading for Easter

Posted on March 31, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen

This weekend we celebrate Easter, and in pagan circles Ostara, the festival of rebirth.

Here is a daily Tarot card reading for guidance during the new season.

Image of Gilded Tarot cards on a purple cloth. Ostara Tarot Reading by professional Tarot reader Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog. — Ostara Tarot Reading by Catherine Green

Tarot Card Reading

1, Works – Ace of Cups

You have been on a long journey where your job/career is concerned. This month sees the culmination of your efforts in terms of training and/or apprenticeship. Now you are older and wiser, and this will serve you well as you progress. You may share your professional expertise with confidence, knowing that you truly understand your trade.

2, Home – Eight of Wands

We feel a sense of freedom now that lockdown restrictions are easing. This pandemic isn’t over yet. Are you smart enough to avoid the crowds and keep to small gatherings or stay home for a while longer? Don’t be a sheep. Lead by example.

3, Unexpected – Queen of Pentacles

It might seem strange that you feel secure when so many people are struggling. Be assured that you deserve this gift and you earned it fair and square. Look out for a surprise competition win or something similar.

4, Your Role – Five of Cups

Are you being honest with yourself? Never mind the other side of the story. This has been a long, hard battle and you know there is more to come. Feel the pain, allow those emotions to pass. Then you may continue on your quest. You are the warrior in this scenario, and you must make the decisions.

5, Outcome – Four of Swords

You might feel some uncertainty as we move forward, and the world begins to open up. Try not to worry. As long as you are careful you will be OK. Take precautions and get back out there. We must move on and face the next hurdle.

Summary

I feel that this Tarot card reading is all about our facing up to a future with Covid. The pandemic is still raging, and we are still battling to get the virus under control. While it is tempting to throw caution to the wind, sometimes we must retreat in order to protect ourselves and those we care for. Yes, it is hard, but we can do it. There is a future for us if we responsibly manage what is happening now.

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.

Posted in #witchywednesday, mind body spirit, pagan mother, spirit sisters, Spiritual, spiritual guidance, tarot reading | Tagged #lifeafterlockdown, #witchywednesday, Catherine Green Author, Easter Tarot Card Reading, LGBT Fantasy book series for adults, LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green, Ostara Tarot Card Reading, SpookyMrsGreen, tarot card reading, Tarot card reading for the pandemic, vampire writer Catherine Green | Leave a comment

How do You Feel? Minding your Mental Health during the Pandemic

Posted on March 29, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen

How do you feel today? How did you feel yesterday?

I feel ok. Just ok. My mood has been all over the place recently. Some days I feel happy, cheerful and bouncy. Other days I feel a bit flat, uninterested in my daily routine, and I can’t be bothered to make an effort. Some days I feel like crying at the smallest occurrence. This is all perfectly natural in response to the pandemic and the ongoing lockdown restrictions that we are experiencing.

#MummyMonday Real Life in Lockdown During a Pandemic with SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog. — #MummyMonday Real Life in Lockdown During a Pandemic

How do You Feel? Minding your Mental Health during the Pandemic

Some people might be feeling worse, and some might be coping better during the pandemic. I have been kept on the level with help from my friends and immediate family, always on hand with a joke, a smiling photograph, or a sympathetic ear on the phone. We take the opportunity to see each other outdoors when possible, and we remind ourselves that this is only temporary. Yes, it has been a long and difficult year, but we are getting through it and we are making progress.

I know that people are experiencing grief and loss, not just for family members and friends but for jobs, lifestyles and activities that have been shut down or have disappeared. We have all lost something due to coronavirus. My marriage finally collapsed following a lengthy period of unrest. The lockdown last year saw the end of it, and we are still trying to work out what happens next. I worry about the impact on our children, and there is nothing I can do right now to make it better or fix the problems. This is something beyond my control, and I spent months battling with the hopeless feelings that came as a result. I like to be proactive and get things done, yet in this most important aspect of my life, I failed. But right now, I don’t feel sad. I believe I have already grieved for my marriage during the course of the past year. Now I am ready to move on and try something new. What that is I don’t know, but I am open to whatever life has in store.

We need to be honest with ourselves.

We need to be honest with ourselves. The overall mood in society has been one of getting on with life, making the best of a bad situation, and keeping a smile on our faces. That is far from the reality for many of us, shut away at home afraid to socialize, afraid to visit the supermarket, missing our physical activity, visits to the library and whatever else made us happy and kept our moods balanced. Many people are glad to have access to the internet, myself included, but there comes a point where you just want to be with people properly, not just via a screen. This is your safe space to be honest.

How do you feel as we approach the end of our third UK lockdown? What has changed in your life during the past twelve months?

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.

Posted in Business, health, holistic health, mother writer, pagan mother, working mom, working mother, working mum | Tagged #freeforallFriday, #mummymonday, Catherine Green Author, feelings and emotions, health and wellbeing, health and wellness, how do you feel, keep healthy during the pandemic, LGBT Fantasy book series for adults, LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green, mental health in the pandemic, SpookyMrsGreen, vampire writer Catherine Green | 7 Comments

Easy Ways to Help Your Family Adopt Healthier Habits to Keep Them Active

Posted on March 28, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen

These days, it’s extremely common for families to spend less time outside. This is even more true thanks to global lockdowns and stay-at-home orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, we seem to be on the tail end of this situation and it means we can start going outside and spending time outdoors with our family. However, for families that have grown used to staying indoors, this can be rather tricky.

There are also situations where families don’t spend much time outdoors together due to other commitments. For example, if you simply don’t have much time outside of weekends to actually have fun with your kids, then you need to find other ways for your family to adopt healthier habits.

Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/5NLCaz2wJXE (CC0)

Introduce more active games for your family to play at home

There are actually a surprising number of games that your family can play at home which lead to more active lifestyles. A great example of this is any kind of game that can be played in the garden. The obvious choices are to set up something like a basketball net or even a badminton net, but you can also use video games that are great for keeping your kids active during lockdown. There are lots of games on Nintendo consoles that promote the use of moving your body around, and there are dancing games that combine fun and exercise into a single fun package.

Encourage your family to do more chores around the house

Chores can be a great way to introduce a bit of activity into each family member’s day. It’s a low-impact form of exercise and comes with the added bonus of keeping your home clean and tidy. Anything from watering the plants to dusting shelves or even taking out the trash can add a bit of much-needed activity into our days. This also helps to develop habits that encourage your family to keep the home clean and to tidy up after themselves. This can take a while to get started because children are usually very resistant to tidying up after themselves. As such, it’s a good idea to try and encourage them to do more chores when they’re still young so they can build up those good habits.

Try family exercise sessions as a part of your daily routine

The key to keeping fit as a family is encouraging everyone in the family to follow the same kind of routine. A great example of this is doing some morning stretches together before breakfast or any other time during the day where the whole family is in the same room. Making this a habit is a great way to instill healthy habits into your family, but you can expect it to go out of style once your children grow up a little and prefer to do their own fitness routines or if they’re busy and need to get to work or school. But until then, it’s good to try and encourage them to add more fitness into their daily routine.

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.

Note: This is a collaborative article.