Relationships & Stress

You cannot underestimate the power of healthy relationships during the holidays. Between the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and navigating a pandemic, your relationships might fall by the wayside. Finding time to strengthen your bond with your partner, friends, and family is crucial to your well-being.

Having strong social relationships may help reduce stress and heart-related risks. Loneliness and social isolation are linked to poorer health, depression, and an increased risk of early death. It is recommended to socialize when you are feeling stress. Social interaction can decrease the
damage stress can do to your physical and mental health. Remember, you don’t have to handle your stress alone.

Your instinct might be to keep it to yourself as an attempt to shield your family or partner from your grumpiness. But that isn’t always the best route. Talking about your stress with your partner is a valuable opportunity for connection and visibility. There is a feeling of bonding and closeness that comes from coping with stress together.

Holidays are about bringing friends and family together. Don’t let the holiday stress prevent you from communicating with your inner circle. If the day gets overwhelming and you feel crushed under your to-do list, don’t be afraid to send a distress signal.

If you’re on the receiving end of someone else’s distress signal, heed it. Sometimes it takes a new perspective to tackle stress during the holidays. While stress may have negative effects on your body, stress hormones can also encourage caregiving, cooperation, and compassion. The very thing that threatens your connection with your partner, friends, and family
can bring you closer together.

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