The holiday season is here!  While you are in the midst of gatherings with friends and family members, as well as participating in community, religious, and/or work-related activities, it’s important to look at these events as opportunities to connect with those you truly care about. 

Just like a balanced diet and proper sleep promote good health, so do your social connections.  People with lots of social ties are relatively happier than those without many strong relationships in their lives.  Depression and cognitive decline are linked to a lack in social connectivity. 

Some research suggests that expressing caring behaviors toward others actually releases stress-reducing hormones into the body.  Such behaviors may include offering help, advice or expressions of affection, like hugs and kisses, to another.  The life-enhancing effects are seen both in the giver and the receiver, so it’s good to be on both ends once in awhile.  And unlike regular exercise and a balanced diet, it is much easier to access these types of health promoting activities. 

Not all relationships are created equal though.  The quality of the relationship matters.  Women in unsatisfying marriages or long-term relationships had a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than women in satisfying marriages or long-term relationships.  It has also been found that risk for dementia is lower in those with a variety of satisfying relationships in their lives.

Use the holiday season as a time to nurture the strong relationships in your lives.  Try not to get caught up in the whirl of social activity that can sometimes cause the holidays to slip on by, instead focus on and spend time with the people in your life that matter.  Not just family and close friends, but others who add value to your life- mentors, teachers, co-workers.  Be present and actively choose events that will bring joy to your life and enhance those relationships.  Forget the ones that don’t.  And if you don’t have time to see everyone before December 31st, make plans with them in the New Year.  Make sure they know they’re important to you.

Happy Holidays! 

For more advice on how to handle the holiday season, check out the interview I did for CBS Los Angeles last week:

CBS INTERVIEW