One Thing To Make This Holiday Season The Best Yet
The holidays can be stressful. We can get caught up in the idea of perfection, worrying about the food, our appearance, and societal ideals of how to celebrate. Let me offer an alternative approach…
Using this time of year, when we usually spend with loved ones, can be a fabulous opportunity to genuinely connect with others. Instead of obsessing over the meal, what to wear, or a mile-long shopping list, we can direct our energy toward genuinely connecting with those around us. The best way to connect is to listen – not just listening to respond, but listening to understand and create deeper meaning.
Listening is a key aspect of connection, and it's something we often overlook in our fast-paced lives. Surprisingly, over 80 percent of what we learn comes from listening, but we often listen at only 25 percent efficiency. Believe me, I have to remind myself often to truly “listen,” it’s not as easy as it seems!
Need help with how to start? Here are a few science-backed ways to foster connection in our conversations:
● Pause and take a breath before responding
● Maintain “open” listening - body language
● Ask follow-up questions avoiding self-referencial responses
● Resist the urge to interrupt or defend
Take the time during the holidays to truly connect with others by practicing the art of listening. Choose someone to connect with during this season, whether it be a family member, friend, or stranger. Keep in mind that it might feel strange or awkward at first. However, people may be conditioned to be interrupted or not actually listened to, and they will appreciate the effort.
Social connectedness is essential to our well-being. Loneliness is a top cause of death. The consensus in the scientific community is that meaningful relationships play a essential role in promoting our mental and physical well-being. From heart disease to dementia to mortality rates, interpersonal relationships lower our likelihood for a multitude of ailments.
So, connections with others help us live longer, improve our mental health, and boost our wellness. With that in mind, instead of stressing about the holiday details, focus on meaningful connections and truly listening to those who matter to you. I can guarantee, it’ll be a wonderful gift we can give to ourselves and others this year.
… and if you’d like to treat yourself to another special gift, my 5-Module MASTER Menopause NOW! Online Course is waiting for you. In this course, I provide simple strategies for mastering Sleep, Stress Resilience, Calendar, Movement, and Food as Fuel – essential elements of your wellness today and throughout the rest of your life. While you focus on making genuine connections this season, don’t forget to focus on your wellness, too.