Family connections play a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. These bonds provide emotional support, a sense of belonging, and practical assistance, all of which contribute to both mental and physical health. During COVID-19 lockdown was a great example of how not being connected to family played a crucial role in our health in staying healthy and recovery. Here’s how we can stay healthy:
Emotional Support
Family members often serve as our primary support system. They offer a safe space to express feelings, share joys, and navigate challenges. This emotional support can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, leading to better mental health.
Many people enjoy family gatherings, getting together with friends, and participating in special religious, community, and workplace activities. Such occasions are an opportunity to check in with each other, exchange ideas, and perhaps lend some social support to each other.
Social connections like these not only give us pleasure, they also influence our long-term health in ways every bit as powerful as adequate sleep, a good diet, and not smoking. Dozens of studies have shown that people who have social support from family, friends, and their community are happier, have fewer health problems, and live longer.
Sense of Belonging
Feeling connected to family gives us a sense of belonging and security. This connection can boost self-esteem and provide a foundation of stability, which is essential for mental well-being.
Families, almost from their start, face forces that could pull them apart. When a family begins to mature, that potential loss of connection, that feeling of something changing, is difficult to confront.
And it makes communication even more important.
“This idea of feeling connected becomes very reinforcing, to all of us, and it contributes to happiness, it contributes to mental health and it does contribute also to physical health,” says John Northman, a psychologist from Buffalo, NY. “It’s well known that when people feel better connected, that they feel better physically, they’re certainly less likely to feel depressed — or if they do, they’re in a better position to get out of being depressed.
Practical Assistance
Families often provide tangible support, such as financial help, caregiving, and advice. This practical assistance can alleviate burdens and improve quality of life, especially during difficult times.
The research on the importance of communication in families is strong and varied.
In the Handbook of Family Communication, editor Anita Vangelisti, a professor at the University of Texas, writes, “Communication is what creates families. When family members communicate, they do more than send messages to each other — they enact their relationships.” “That sense of belonging. That’s really important with families, so you kind of have a home base, a place where you feel accepted and you belong, no matter what.”
Health Benefits
Numerous studies have shown that strong family ties are associated with lower rates of chronic illnesses, faster recovery from surgery, and longer life expectancy. Social support from family can improve immune function, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and promote healthier lifestyle choices.
Social connections like these not only give us pleasure, they also influence our long-term health in ways every bit as powerful as adequate sleep, a good diet, and not smoking. Dozens of studies have shown that people who have social support from family, friends, and their community are happier, have fewer health problems, and live longer.
Stress Reduction
Positive family interactions can trigger the release of stress-reducing hormones, helping to manage stress levels. This can protect against stress-related health issues like hypertension and diabetes.
Conversely, a relative lack of social ties is associated with depression and later-life cognitive decline, as well as with increased mortality. One study, which examined data from more than 309,000 people, found that lack of strong relationships increased the risk of premature death from all causes by 50% — an effect on mortality risk roughly comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and greater than obesity and physical inactivity.
In summary, maintaining strong family connections is not just about emotional well-being; it has profound impacts on physical health too. Investing time and effort in nurturing these relationships can lead to a happier, healthier life.
How do you stay connected with your family?
