The festival season is here, and the preparations around us are in full swing. It is time to go shopping, buy new accessories, make the best out of the sale season, relish sumptuous dishes, and enjoy time with family, friends, and loved ones. Festival season is also good for our mental health.
We spoke to Rohini Kesavan Rajeev, senior psychotherapist and founder, The Able Mind, to understand why festivals make us feel good. She said, “Festivals are happy reminders that there is always something for us to look forward to and celebrate, no matter what our situation may be or which part of the world we are in.”
She added that festivals are a good way to connect with our roots, culture, and tradition. It endorses that we belong to a place, community, and group. “One of the most important factors that gives us hope and comfort is the sense of belonging. We feel protected, and it allows us to thrive,” she added.
Here are the four reasons why festivals are good for our mental health.
Festivals Help Us Reconnect With Loved Ones
On festivals, we get the opportunity to reconnect with our friends and extended family. You get the time to catch up with them and share a few bits about your life. You also get the time to spend time with your family which otherwise can be difficult due to a hectic work schedule.
The celebratory days bring us closer as one unit. You shower your loved ones with love and exchange gifts, it makes them feel that you care about them. The psychotherapist added that happiness is contagious.
Festivals Release Happy Hormones
Our expert said celebrations and festivals release endorphins, which are happy hormones. They induce a feeling of joy. If you are celebrating with family and friends, endorphins will help you keep depression at bay.
She said, “When we celebrate, we are expressing gratitude for that situation or event, we are recognising the presence of good things in our life, and when we share the same with others, the sense of gratitude and joy only multiplies.”
Festivals Help Us Overcome Isolation
People who celebrate festivals with their loved ones can help them overcome the feeling of isolation (How Loneliness Impacts Mental Health). You contribute to festivities, lend a hand in the kitchen, and decorate the house with siblings.
It helps people to feel that they belong somewhere. The expert said that especially after the pandemic, festival celebrations are more joyful than before because people understand the importance of community.
Don't Miss: Are You Anxious About Your First Karwa Chauth? Try These 5 Yoga Poses For Stress Relief
Festivals Build Tolerance
According to the psychotherapist, festivals help us appreciate our differences and open us to new experiences. We get acquainted with the traditions of other communities, and it is often insightful and exciting.
It increases our tolerance towards one another and builds intercultural sensitivity. It leads to building interpersonal relationships. The expert said that it tremendously improves our mental health.
Don't Miss: Add These Foods To Your Diet Before Wedding To Get Lustrous Locks
Stay tuned to HerZindagi for more such stories.
Take charge of your wellness journey—download the HerZindagi app for daily updates on fitness, beauty, and a healthy lifestyle!
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation