How to Feel Connected to a Support System After the Holidays
Lindsay Knake
| 3 min read
When the holidays are over and you get back into your routine of work, school and responsibilities, it can feel harder to stay connected with your family and friends.
The post-holiday blues, or a feeling or sadness or let down now that the holidays are over, can contribute to losing touch with loved ones. Here are ways to feel connected to your system after the holidays.
Be intentional about connecting with families and friends
Create new traditions that don’t revolve around holidays, which are often busy and even stressful. Holiday parties don’t always lend themselves to a deeper conversation with a loved one. Plan a dinner or meetup once a month or every few months to maintain connection with loved ones. Get creative with your meetups, whether it's coffee or a hike. Laughing together or engaging in an activity you both enjoy increases feelings of connection.
Helping someone out with a project is another way to remain connected. By supporting your family and friends, you build trust in the relationship. Helping others can also give your mental health a boost.
When you are with your family and friends in person, stay off your phones and keep your focus on the moment. Face-to-face time without screens deepens conversations and improves relationships.
Phone calls or video chats
A regular call by phone or video chat, even with people who live nearby, can help provide time together even with busy schedules. Hearing someone’s voice increases intimacy and allows you to have a better understanding of how they are feeling. If you communicate primarily through text, it could feel awkward to switch to a phone conversation, but your bonds improve with talking.
Handwritten letters
Taking time to write a letter by hand or send a card is another way of building bonds with loved ones. A letter is a physical item that can be fun to receive and open. Seeing handwriting rather than text shows affection and care.
The best way to connect with your loved ones is in the ways you most enjoy. Quality relationships are essential for health and longevity. Prolonged loneliness can increase the risk of premature death by 26% and is associated with increased risk of stroke, heart disease, dementia, anxiety and depression.
Seek professional support
If you are struggling with your relationships or mental health, talking to a therapist or counsellor can help.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network can help members find an in-network mental health professional by calling behavioral health access lines listed below:
PPO: Behavioral Health Access Line | 1-800-762-2382
- A free and confidential resource that’s just a call away when you need immediate support. Behavioral health professionals answer, 24/7.
HMO: Behavioral Health Access Line | 1-800-482-5982
- Connect with a behavioral health clinician if you need help finding a mental health or substance use provider.
- Behavioral health clinicians are available for routine assistance from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For urgent concerns after hours, clinicians are also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Learn more about mental health and options you have as a member to seek help at bcbsm.com/mentalhealth.
Image: Getty Images
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