Celebrate the Holidays by Creating Connection

Hopefully, the fear of gathering has decreased with the start of COVID-19 vaccines, so many of us will be safely seeing our loved ones this holiday season. After everything we have been through these past two years, connection is something that so many of us crave and need right now. Whether you're seeing friends and family in person or remotely, let’s not forget what’s important this time of year and every day: the simplicity of connecting with each other.

MUSC Health internal medicine and lifestyle medicine physician Erika Blank, M.D., knows that it can be challenging to stay focused on what truly matters. “The holiday season is so important to everyone, and planning it to perfection can often take over,” she says. “When stress accumulates, people who already struggle with poor diet and financial concerns often become even more overwhelmed this time of year. That’s why it’s so important to step back and think about how we can, differently, approach the holidays this time around.”

Here are a few ways to connect with loved ones this season:

Practice Gratitude

Giving thanks for what (and who) we have is one way to celebrate and create connection this year. From job loss to the death of loved ones, COVID has taken a lot, so let’s count our blessings. There are several ways to do this: Make a list of things you have instead of what you desire. Write a note or make a card to thank someone for a gift of their friendship. Practice meditation, which can ground us, give us perspective, and remind us of what we’re thankful for.

Connect With Food

Nothing connects us like food. If you’re having a meal together, let everyone pitch in rather than keep the stress for yourself. When everyone’s sitting around the table, let everyone tell a story about the dish they have prepared and the memories they associate with it.

Give Simply

Give simply by making something special — like homemade jam or granola. Instead of store-bought gifts, give your creativity, whether it’s a treat, poem, or a piece of small art. You can also give simply by organizing a volunteer day with a friend or some family members as a way of giving back. Creating that kind of connection together is both memorable and priceless.

Connect Through Activity

Another wonderful way to connect is through an activity that helps everyone unwind and focus on one another. Put down the phones and try going for a walk on the beach with the family or playing a game that doesn’t involve a screen. These can both be powerful ways to reconnect while also creating long-last memories, which are priceless.

Focus on Your Health

Remember, foods that make us uncomfortable aren’t always “comfort foods.” Don’t be afraid to replace an unhealthy casserole that usually weighs you down with a big, hearty, colorful salad, or roasted root vegetables, for example. New tradition is the theme for the 2021 holiday season.

“Rather than worrying about the complexities of preparing a big feast or getting overwhelmed with a list of “must-do” tasks, remember that what truly matters is sharing time with people we love,” says Blank. “Connection is the key to having a peaceful, enjoyable holiday season that is good for both your mental and physical health.”

Making lifestyle adjustments not just now but year-round will improve your mental and physical health and, in turn, help to treat, manage and prevent chronic disease. If you need guidance, Dr. Blank can help. Make an appointment by calling 843-876-1445, or you can schedule an appointment online here.