by Orlando J Gonzalez, MSEd, LMHC, CEAP
As we welcome the holiday season, let us not lose sight of the fact that the bulk of holiday traditions center on the celebration of our connections with others. The comfort, peace and joy brought about via relationship with our maker, relationship with each other, and relationship with ourselves are at the heart of these traditions. And research supports the multiple benefits that social connection has on our mental health and well-being. Feeling connected to others has been proven to lower rates of anxiety and depression, increase self-esteem, improve our capacity for empathy, trust, cooperation with others, and strengthen our immune system. Think “outside the box” this season to become mindful of spending more time celebrating the gifts that are your relationships and limit the time spent feeding into the cultural and retail mandates of what should constitute a holiday season well observed.
Do not fear breaking the mold! Enhance your mindset by taking time to become conscious of the unique treasures found within your reality. Placing a simple call to someone you have not heard from in quite some time, sending a greeting card, or making time to visit friends are all great ways to re-establish connections lost. Do something new and spontaneous with those you see more frequently and improve the way you express how much each person means to you. Place special focus on sharing yourselves with others, being present for them, being present to yourself, and supporting the efforts that others make to reciprocate their care and affection. Work to develop your capacity for being vulnerable and intimate with those you care about by becoming more attentive and responsive to them. Listen and help them feel understood.
Remaining connected and engaged will kindle a season of joy long remembered and treasured. Taking inventory of the special people in your life and making this season a time to re-connect will leave you with the kind of fulfillment and connection not found in any other type of gift you will give, or receive, this holiday season.
If you are finding it difficult managing the “demands” of the holiday season, or you struggle when offering the gift of your presence, contact the UM FSAP for help exploring new ways to reconnect to unwrap the gifts that are your relationships.
Click here to read the full Mind and Matter Holiday Edition.
