Life is the ultimate roller coaster ride and lately it has felt like the moment when you are teetering at the very top ready to freefall into the unknown. In addition to daily challenges, we are being bombarded by an incredible amount of unsettling news that can put anyone in a state of overwhelm. In those moments of feeling ungrounded, there is always a simple yet profound remedy waiting for us: quality time with the people we love.
It’s easy to underestimate the power of connection, to forget that a heartfelt conversation, a shared laugh, or even a quiet moment with a loved one can bring us back to ourselves. When we carve out time for deep, meaningful experiences with friends and family we are nurturing our spirits, strengthening our emotional well-being, and grounding ourselves in what truly matters.
Spending time with loved ones isn’t just good for the heart metaphorically—it’s good for it physically, too. Studies have shown that close relationships can lower stress, improve heart health, and even boost longevity. When we share our thoughts, fears, and joys with people who truly see and love us, our bodies respond with a release of oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which helps reduce anxiety and increase feelings of safety and belonging.
Laughter with an old friend, a warm hug from a family member, or an evening spent reminiscing over dinner can all work wonders in lifting our spirits. These moments don’t have to be extravagant or planned—they just have to be real. A simple walk with a friend, a phone call to someone you miss, or sitting with a loved one in comfortable silence can be enough to remind you that you are never truly alone.
When life feels chaotic, our relationships remind us of our roots. They bring us back to our values, our joys, and the essence of who we are. They remind us that we don’t have to carry the weight of the world alone.
So if you’re feeling unsettled, take a deep breath and reach out to someone you love. Prioritize connection. Say yes to that coffee date, turn off your phone during dinner, hold space for deep conversations, and let yourself be present in the moment. Because in the end, it’s these shared experiences—these genuine, heartfelt connections—that nourish us, elevate our spirit, and keep us beautifully, unshakably grounded.
by Kim Goyette
This week’s 14-minute gentle Hatha Flow Yoga for Inspiring Joy is all about inviting joy into your life. Through asana and pranayama, we will move through a simple Hatha class that radiates the energy from your core, increases flexibility, and lightens your heart.
