Why Connecting With Others Is Important

Kaydee Norton, a licensed therapist with Sunbeam Family Services, joined News 9 to talk about making connections.

“Connections are so important because they really can shape and mold the way we think and the way we see and the way our brain functions,” Norton said. “When we're connecting with the people that we love, that's giving us all those feel good hormones, the dopamine and all that oxytocin. It really helps us view and see the world in another way that you feel like you belong, and that you were accepted all those things.”

Norton says connections can be simple.

“We don't have to go spend millions of dollars on these big trips or plan these elaborate things. We can find connections with our children or our loved ones,” Norton said.

During the holidays, it can be tricky to organize activities meant for connecting. Norton says even something as simple as watching the football game together or playing a board game can be meaningful.

“Games are a wonderful way to connect, making sure that they're safe and healthy family games. Sometimes families can get real competitive and riled up, but having those times to connect with each other, especially for the families that we don't get to see all the time,” Norton said. “Having those intimate moments with each other is really going to help over the holiday season.”