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  • Cure the Winter Blues: Spruce Up Your Space (French version available)

    Cure the Winter Blues: Spruce Up Your Space (French version available)

    Are the winter blahs getting you down? Do you feel like you need a change? If only you could get away from it all.

    Well, maybe you don’t have to. Changing your space (both your physical space and your head space) can make you happier and healthier.

    There are a lot of little things you can do to improve your mood and your outlook on life.

    Colours, for example, are a great way to express yourself and they also emote certain feelings. This concept is called “colour psychology”. Though there isn’t a lot of research on the subject right now, it is commonly considered in marketing, design and art.

    Certain colours are believed to make a room give off a certain vibe. Blue is considered to be a calming, tranquil colour that may help people sleep, which is why lighter shades of blue are often seen in bedrooms. Violet can bring inner peace and balance. Green reminds people of the outdoors and has a calming, refreshing feeling (there’s a reason TV studios leave guests in what is referred to as a “Green Room”). Grey is cooling and soothing. Red is vibrant and brings energy to a room. Yellow is bright, happy and joyful. Brown also represents nature and gives a more earthy feel. And purple (the colour of royalty) often makes people feel sophisticated and wealthy.

    If you are going to paint your room, think of how you would like to feel in the space before you pick a colour. If you want to feel calm and relaxed, you probably wouldn’t want to pick bright red.

    Painting isn’t the only way to spruce up your space. You could create original art for your walls, dresser or bookshelves. Buy a blank canvas at a craft store and let your imagination inspire you. This will help you feel like your room is yours. It will also give you something to do on cold, wintery nights. If you’re handy, you could look at making a new lamp for your desk. There are a number of great ideas online that can get you started. You could try reusing some old household materials and creating a unique statue or sculpture.

    Try moving your furniture around, even just a little bit. People who believe in the power of Feng Shui, which in simple terms is a Chinese system that believes the positioning of certain items in your home has a direct relationship to the flow of energy, believe even a slight movement will help improve the mood in your room.

    Reorganizing your space will not only alleviate the tension between you and your parents, but it is a proven fact that a clean, tidy, organized room has a positive effect on your mood. De-cluttering can make you feel calm, in control and grateful. If you clean out your old clothes that no longer fit, old sporting equipment you don’t use and old toys you have outgrown, you’ll not only notice how lucky you are for having so much, but you can also help others by donating them to a charity or organization for people in need. Another benefit to having a tidy, well-organized space is you will become more creative and efficient. Writing a big paper will be way easier in a room you enjoy being in, rather than a messy, disorganized space you can’t even find the top of your desk in. And actually being able to find your clothes and backpack in the morning will reduce stress and probably make you late less often.

    Whatever you choose to do to embrace your space, make it your own. You’ll be much happier in the long run, and it’ll give you a project to help banish those winter blues.

    Who knows? You may even inspire the rest of your household to revamp, rejuvenate and de-clutter other rooms this winter.

  • Time to Think About Winter!

    Time to Think About Winter!

     When you think about the winter season, you might think about the cold weather, and its shorter and darker days. During this season, it is very important to remember that you should still stick to your usual routine, even if you have to change it up a bit. Taking care of yourself and your health may be difficult if you aren’t feeling too motivated.

    Take Care of Your Health

    As it gets colder, you may think you’ll feel better if you curl up under blankets while eating your favourite comfort foods. Although it is perfectly okay to take some time to “chill”, it isn’t something you should be doing all day, every day. It is important to take care of your health by engaging in physical activity and eating healthier and more nutritious foods. Food that contains Vitamin B can help the brain produce serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that helps balance moods. Exercising also releases good chemicals called “endorphins”. Endorphins are chemicals that can help you feel happy. If you want to exercise at home, you could find fitness videos online and follow along while playing your favourite upbeat music in the background. Or if you think you’ll feel more motivated by leaving the house to work out, you could sign up for exercise classes

    Practice Self-Care

    Self-care is a good way to feel relaxed. You can take care of your mind, your skin, and your body. Meditating and practicing mindfulness can make a big difference in your mood and your thoughts. Taking care of your skin can also help you feel better. In the winter, your skin tends to become drier. Making sure to alter your skincare routine during this time is a good idea. Taking a bath is a cozy way to merge skincare and mindfulness. Surrounding yourself with certain essential oils and candles can help keep you relaxed while you practice self-care.

    Socialize

    During the winter season, it is common for people to isolate themselves from the cold weather outdoors. Since most people spend time indoors, they don’t engage in many social activities. Staying isolated from others can affect your mood and make you feel unhappy. It is important to stay engaged in social activities during the winter. You could make plans with friends and enjoy the seasonal activities, such as skating and signing up for any classes offered during that time.

    Get An Indoor Hobby

    Just because the winter months are rolling in doesn’t mean that you have to abandon your interests and sit around sulking all day. There are several hobbies that you can add to your day. You could learn how to bake new treats, paint, read a new book, learn a new language, and more! Having a hobby to do in the winter can help keep your mind occupied and add some excitement throughout your winter days.

    Vitamin D

    During the winter, the days are much shorter and colder. Most people leave for work or school very early in the morning when it is still dark and come back around the time the sun begins to set. Since the sun is out for less time than in the summer, you are not exposed to the sun as often. One way to get as much sun as possible is to leave your curtains open and stay near windows where it’s possible. Another way to give yourself the vitamin the sun provides is to take Vitamin D supplements or eat many foods that contain that vitamin. Although the sun has its benefits, it can also be harmful. On that note, don’t forget to always apply SPF even if you are not going outside!

    Now that you have a few ideas about how to keep yourself healthy and busy throughout this season, you’ll have a fun and healthy winter!

    Resources:

    https://www.tcmworld.org/tips-transition-winter-time/

    https://claritychi.com/preparing-early-combat-winter-blues/

    https://www.realbuzz.com/articles-interests/health/article/10-ways-to-beat-the-winter-blues/

  • Say No to Winter Blahs with an Indoor Garden

    Say No to Winter Blahs with an Indoor Garden

    There is no doubt that winter can make us feel a little gloomy given the fact that it limits our outdoor activities and forces us to stay indoors most of the time. However, there are ways to combat these winter blues that can even help us acquire a summer mood. One of those ways is to have an indoor garden, no matter the space. Read on for the essential tips.

    Choose the right plants

    Not all plants are built for indoors, but the good news is that there is a great number of plants that thrive indoors—and can even help improve indoor quality too! Examples are aloe vera, spider plant, gerbera daisy, red-edge dracaena, azalea, weeping fig, English ivy, and Chinese evergreen. You may ask your home and garden supply stores for these plants. Be wary of poisonous indoor plants like the snake plant (the name practically gives it away) as they can be harmful for kids and pets.

    Check for the light

    Most indoor plants require a great deal of sunlight. Thus, if you are starting an indoor garden, make sure you have enough space in your house so you can place them by the windows or anywhere else where they can receive ample sunlight—even during winter’s short daytime hours. Of course, there are plants that wither easily from sunlight too, so place them away from sunlight.

    Don’t forget the right soil

    You don’t have to be born with a green thumb to know which soil is best for indoor plants. Simply apply common sense. Garden soil is a no-no for indoor plants simply because it is for the outside garden. This type of soil will make your indoor plants undernourished. As such, go with humus and perlite instead. You may also choose to use fertilizer with half-strength liquid.

    Know the adequate amount of moisture

    You don’t have to drown your indoor plants with water. Give them just the ample amount. Spritzing them with water is the best move. For other plants, it is best to give water from the bottom up. Place the pot on a bowl or dish with water, and your indoor plants will thank you. If the pot is small enough, you can also take them to the tub or sink to soak them—but not too much.

    Right-size the pot

    Often, you would not have to change the pot that the plant came in with. In some cases, when you have to replant, it is best to go with a pot that is at least two inches bigger in diameter than the original one. Avoid using too big pots as this would tend to make you give them more water than necessary. Too much water can rot the roots, and you will have a withered plant in no time.

    Kick away that winter gloom by following the tips above and filling your space with greenery instead. You will be happy that you made the move.

    Go for natural critter control

    It is unlikely your indoor plants would attract bugs. However, there are some types that do, especially if you have vegetable plants. If this happens, go for organic pesticide control. Always make sure not to spray too much, and when spraying, keep it at a safe distance.

  • How to Cope with Depression in the Family (French version available)

    How to Cope with Depression in the Family (French version available)

    Depression is something that has been in the news a lot recently, thanks in part to the Bell Let’s Talk Day. Only recently have mental health initiatives as large as this one emerged in our culture. There is a historic stigma around sharing one’s mental state, as it has often been viewed as something that is within one’s power to overcome. Recently, mental illness has been defined as a disease; That is, something that one is afflicted with that is not within one’s control. Efforts within the pharmaceutical world have provided a wide range of options for coping with depression, and other, more holistic options are offered that include mental and physical therapy, such as counselling and yoga, respectively.

    People admitting to experiencing mental illness is becoming more common as social efforts to reduce the stigma around the illness are emerging. When a family member admits to having a mental illness, it can be very hard for everyone in the family to handle.

    My personal story with a depressed family member had a major impact on the direction of my life. When I was completing my first university degree and was enrolled in my City of Ottawa co-op program, I learned that my aunt was experiencing depression as a result of an accumulation of factors, including the loss of her son. This news was like the straw that broke the camel’s back for me, in that I was already over my personal capacity with school, work, running a committee and exercising. I went to my supervisor and quit my co-op position, feeling altogether overwhelmed by the news.

    My story proves that not only experiencing depression yourself, but also being affected by someone experiencing depression, can create challenges. It is important to talk about mental health problems and to reach out to people when you aren’t feeling mentally well, because it can affect others. Supporting mental health initiatives is another great way to get involved with the cause of reducing stigma around mental health. Good luck!

  • Taking on University without the Financial or Emotional Support of Family

    Taking on University without the Financial or Emotional Support of Family

    I was raised in a strict household with four other children, all younger than I. Throughout our childhood, we were constantly told that having a roof over our heads and meals to eat were privileges, and that our parents did not owe it to us. Needless to say, going beyond those simple necessities—like helping with post-secondary education—was not a priority for my parents. They never saved money for any of us, and we did not even receive high school graduation presents. At a very young age, we were on our own. Each of us got our first job at age thirteen, and knew that our futures would quite literally be decided by how hard we worked. In retrospect, for me this produced a great work ethic and a stubborn ambition that I will never escape. Given today’s economy and the size of some families, financial support from one’s family is not always available. But what happens if you find yourself without their emotional support as well? What if you find yourself in university surrounded by expectation and new people, drowning in student debt, and with no one to call and cry to about it all? What if you are—in actuality—all on your own?

    In my third year of university I was diagnosed with ADHD, something I only found out because of a breakdown that stemmed from loneliness and financial anxiety that sent me knocking on the university counsellor’s office door. After a handful of sessions and a background check of my school patterns, the counsellor very carefully asked if I might want to take a few tests. I was opposed to it, but desperate to get better; at that point, focusing on things—which had always been a problem for me—had become so impossible that my schoolwork had come to a standstill. Since I was a child, I have always been a kind of an open book. It’s very difficult for me to keep things in, and I am constantly talking and telling stories. As the years went by, these seemingly harmless traits accelerated and turned me into an extremely anxious and scattered person.

    ADHD has not been widely researched in women, and moreover it has a certain stigma as many—including myself—believe it to be over-diagnosed. Being diagnosed as a twenty-something was very strange and difficult to explain to people. But the truth is that many women with ADHD experience low self-esteem, eating disorders, obesity, depression and anxiety. And as you can imagine, being enrolled in university with this kind of setback and no family support can be crippling, but there are habits you can set for yourself to make things easier:

    Don’t run away from financial talk.
    Eliminating stress is crucial, and as a post-secondary student finances can always be on the brain. Even though it may seem easier to ignore the mess university can create for your bank account, stay on top of it:
    • Keep a note of what is coming in and what is going out.
    • Constantly be on the lookout for scholarships and grants.
    • Have a financial advisor, either at your school, at your bank or both, that you see periodically. Be aware of your debts and have them advise you on long-term payment plans.

    Always have someone you can talk to.
    If you’re dealing with mental illness, make sure to see a professional on a regular basis. Even if you’re feeling fine, sometimes a quick check-in can work wonders for your health.

    Build a family of friends.
    Surround yourself with people who truly care about you and who you value as well. A support squad can keep you feeling motivated and provide you with people to talk to and team up with.

    Fight the urge to be resentful.
    This is the absolute hardest part. Grudges can cause anxiety and depression, the very things you are trying to avoid. It is so easy to be angry, and so hard to forgive. But if you surround yourself with positive people (see above ‘squad’ suggestion), and keep the conversation flowing about overcoming your obstacles, you will find that resentfulness will feel exhausting and you will avoid it. School, relationships and your health will flourish.

  • Job Shadowing for a Day with a Skilled Trade

    Job Shadowing for a Day with a Skilled Trade

    So, you are getting close to the end of your schooling, and you have decided to go into one of the skilled trades for your career. You may even already have an idea of what trade industry you want to work in – that’s great!
    Whether you have already decided on a career path or are still looking at options, a great way to learn more about what it’s like working in a specific trade is to do a job shadow with someone in that field.

    Job shadowing is when you accompany a professional during their workday to see what sort of tasks and activities their job involves. When you are learning about a prospective career, internet research, books, and other resources are very useful, but there are always some aspects of a job that need to be seen and experienced in person to give you a real sense of what it would be like to work in a specific trade.

    Spending time with a working professional makes it easier to get accurate, first-hand information about the job responsibilities and the industry itself. You also have the opportunity to ask questions one-on-one with someone who is an expert in the field. As well, even though you will be shadowing with one person, you will have the opportunity to meet other people working other positions and in other departments. This is a great chance to network and make connections in the company and trade industry, which can be valuable contacts later on when you are looking for an internship or other career opportunity. Seeing how the employees of a company interact will also give you an idea of the company culture and dynamics.

    Not sure how to find and arrange a job shadow opportunity? Your first option is to check with your school guidance counsellor or careers teacher, as they likely have a good idea of people or companies suitable for hosting a student job shadow. You can also ask someone you know personally, such as a family member or family acquaintance, if they or someone they work with would be interested in taking a job shadow with them for a day. You may also feel more comfortable spending the time with someone you are familiar with, and therefore be more relaxed and willing to ask questions or participate in work activities.

    Lastly, you can approach someone at the company directly, such as through their human resources department, to inquire if they have done job shadowing opportunities before. Many companies in the trades also have co-op and youth apprenticeship programs, and so are likely to have someone willing to take you as a job shadow- don’t be afraid to ask!

    Most importantly, when you are out on your job shadow, remember to be enthusiastic and interested. Whomever you shadow with, they are willing to spend valuable time in order to share their job, their experience, and their interest with you, so be sure to return the favour. Have fun shadowing!

  • How Working in the Trades can Apply to Your Every-Day Life

    How Working in the Trades can Apply to Your Every-Day Life

    You may not have thought of it, but working in a trade can help you in your everyday life. The skills you develop in a trade can be practical, technical, and useful. When you think about working in the trades, keep in mind all that it could bring to your personal life, alongside a great career.

    Here are some trade career examples that have the potential to help you in your personal life:

    Carpenter: Being a carpenter is about putting together projects and mainly building things. If you have ever dreamed about building your own home, being a carpenter would cut labour costs for you, making it easier to afford in the long run. Carpenters have a general sense of how to fix practical things. For example, if you have a door that won’t close in your house, you would be able to examine the problem, take the door off and put it back on properly. Even if you don’t build your own house, but are still a carpenter, you would be able to fix things that are broken within your house. How cool would it be if you could build a tree fort for your kids?

    Chef: Being a professional chef has its perks. When you train to be a chef, you learn about safe food practices, nutrition, and the importance of cleanliness, before and after cooking. These things can be applied at home. You can impress your friends and family with your culinary skills by hosting social events and parties. If you have children, you will be aware of what nutritious food is best, and you could even teach them how to prepare it. You could also lend your skills and knowledge to places like shelters and food banks. We can’t live without food; so naturally, being a chef will always be a part of your personal life, alongside your career.

    Electrician:     We use electricity almost every moment of every day. If it isn’t powering the lights on in our house, it is charging our phones or laptops. Electricians have exciting jobs, for every day is different. You could be doing commercial wiring in a big building to setting up power cables in a residential home (depending on what company you work for and what your specialty is). If you are an electrician, you could fix faulty wires in your house or your friend’s house, possibly fix your electronics, install solar-power within your house, and maybe fix the radio wires in your car. The opportunities to bring your electrical know-how into your everyday life are endless.

    Auto Mechanic:     The perk of being an auto mechanic is simple: You can fix your own vehicle. People spend thousands of dollars a year on their cars and trucks. If you become an auto mechanic, you will be able to fix your own vehicle problems without anyone trying to hustle you for more money. Most auto mechanics have a garage at home and work tools on hand, just in case they have any problems with their own vehicles. You could even help your family or a friend in determining what their car problem is before they go into the shop, reducing the chances of them being taken advantage of.

  • Depression – How it Affects Teens Today

    Depression – How it Affects Teens Today

    Depression – What is it?

    Depression is a very common and serious mental disorder that can affect anybody. It can negatively impact an individual’s way of thinking, feeling and acting. Oftentimes, it can feel like a heavy weight on someone’s shoulders. About twenty percent of teenagers suffer from depression, and only 30 %  of them seek treatment. It is said that those who have depression often feel sad or don’t feel anything at all; in other words, they are numb. Depression can create emotions of not only sadness but anger, loneliness and irritability. Many people believe that there needs to be a logical or reasonable explanation as to why someone is depressed, but it can be more complex than that. Depression is not easy to understand, especially if you’re not someone suffering from it. It is only recently that the world has begun to openly discuss mental health in hopes of reducing the stigmatization around it.

    Depression in Today’s Society

    Mental health in general is a difficult topic to discuss. It can be sensitive to some and threatening to others. Even mentioning any form of mental disorder causes the stigma around it to increase. In today’s society, more people are aware of it and increasingly gain a better understanding of what it really is. There are a number of youth groups, medications and treatment programs that anyone can attend.

    Today, adolescents react differently to how they cope with depression. Some easily share their story on how it affects them, and others hide their emotions out of shame or embarrassment. Luckily, many people have come to terms with the fact that there is nothing to be ashamed of, and that message is constantly being spread through social media and other platforms.

    Unfortunately, individuals resort to negative coping mechanisms such as self-harm or self-isolation. If this is ever the case, it is understandable, and it’s nothing to be angry about. This coping mechanism is indeed unhealthy, but it is also temporary, even though it doesn’t feel like it is.

    Today, teens tend to look for ‘a way out’, meaning, they want to do something about their depression, whether it be seeking treatment or simply finding a distraction from it. Teens today tend to rely on music to help them escape the world around them. Other people enjoy creative writing or journaling. Some enjoy the arts (painting, drawing, sculpting) or even dance in order to loosen any tension in them. These are only some of the healthiest coping mechanisms.

    How to Tell if an Adolescent is Depressed

    If there is somebody in your life who you love, whether it be a friend, child, relative or acquaintance, and you have a feeling that they are not acting like themselves, they are more distant, or they seem too happy, it may lead people to question why that individual is behaving a particular way. If someone is worried about another individual who may be depressed, it is good to be observant of how they act and how they look. Some signs include:

    • Withdrawal from friends and/or family
    • Having a lack of motivation or energy
    • Loss or increase in weight/appetite
    • Poor self-esteem
    • Sudden acts of anger
    • Strong feelings of sadness
    • A lack or an increase of sleep

    Looking for the Serious Signs

    Being depressed can impact the individual in a number of ways. If the individual is showing signs of depression, it is always a good idea to make sure that they are in a safe environment, both mentally and physically. Self-harm is a major consequence and is very dangerous, as is substance abuse from antidepressants that are often prescribed. Serious signs to look for in an adolescent in terms of their safety include:

    • Wearing long sleeves and pants in hot environments to hide self-injury
    • A bottle of antidepressants is being emptied faster than usual
    • Suicide threats (direct or indirect)
    • Finding sharp objects hidden around the house

    Conclusion

    Depression is a common mental disorder that affects more teenagers every day. Mental health is slowly becoming more common to discuss, which helps others along their journey to wellness. If we all worked harder to understand each other, maybe mental health would be viewed more as a priority in our world today, rather than stigmatized and seen as a taboo subject.

    Sources

    Warning Signs of Mental Illness, www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression

    Borchard, Therese J. “Why Are So Many Teens Depressed?” Psych Central, Psych Central.com, 8 July 2018, psychcentral.com/blog/why-are-so-many-teens-depressed/

    Greenfieldboyce, Nell. “If You’re Often Angry Or Irritable, You May Be Depressed.” NPR, NPR, 4 Feb. 2019, www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/02/04/689747637/if-youre-often-angry-or-irritable-you-may-be-depressed

  • Student Finances Without Family

    Student Finances Without Family

    A lot of people are fortunate enough to say that family is something that they can rely on. Family can be and often is a huge part of a student’s financial support. Student loan and financial aid services look at family income when determining how much a student receives. Oftentimes, any other expenses that aren’t covered by financial aid services are most likely taken care of by a student’s parents or guardians.

    It’s safe to say that when you’re young, and especially when you’re young and pursuing a post-secondary education, it’s almost a given that you’ll be relying on family to help out with your finances. But what if you have no support from family? What can you do if you’re in the unfortunate situation in which you cannot financially depend on your family?

    Take Stock

    Before making any important decisions, first consider your situation and what might be the best option. If you want to pursue a post-secondary education, there are a lot of factors to consider. Should you go to college or university? Maybe an online education would be better? Should you study nearby or farther away? Should you go to school now or should you work and save up money? Or should you go to school and work at the same time? Should you study full-time or part-time? Every situation is different, so what’s the right choice for someone else may not be the right choice for you. Try to choose the most realistic and viable option that does not completely compromise what you want.

    Some Obvious Difficulties

    It can be challenging to convince financial aid services that you’re not receiving any financial support from your family. Unfortunately, it’s common to be unable to get the exact amount of financial aid that you need. Sometimes, applying for scholarships, bursaries and loans is all you can do to get some extra outside help. There are plenty of scholarships and bursaries that are based on merit alone and not your family’s income. Doing research on what rewards and scholarships you could qualify for will be extremely beneficial in this situation. Afterwards, a day-to-day challenge will be minimizing spending outside of necessary expenses like food, transportation or rent.

    Some Tips

    If it’s possible, walk more to reduce the amount spent on transportation. There are often food banks, religious clubs, and groups near college and university campuses that provide free meals to those who need them, no questions asked. Not to mention, school events that give away free toiletries, snacks or even groceries. It’s hard to save money on necessities like rent, but other expenses can be decreased as long as you’re willing.

    Regardless, keeping up with your studies on top of having to worry about your own financial situation is a lot to have on your plate. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by it all. Thus, it’s important to focus on one thing at a time. If you have friends who understand your situation, it’s never a bad idea to ask for help when you need it. This doesn’t necessarily mean borrowing money from friends. But, getting emotional support and socializing is important. It’s a difficult situation to be in but it does not always have to be.

    Really, the best way to improve your financial situation is to survive it until better options become available to you, whether that is a better-paying job or a substantial amount of financial aid. Ultimately, not depending on family for money is one of the first steps towards independence as an adult. It’s a responsibility that most of us will have to take on. Eventually, it becomes easier to manage.

  • Ideas for Fun Family Day Activities and Suggestions for Connecting/Reconnecting with Family Members

    Ideas for Fun Family Day Activities and Suggestions for Connecting/Reconnecting with Family Members

    Family Day was created so that families could spend more time with one another. Without a doubt, it’s an occasion many look forward to. While this has been a good addition to certain provinces’ various holidays, some might be unsure about how they can make the most of it.

    Here are some ideas for fun, Family Day activities:

    Ideas for Activities

    Cook and/or Bake Together

    Cooking and baking are great activities to do together, as everyone can have individual and/or shared tasks. For example, if you’re planning on making baked goods like chocolate chip cookies, maybe designate a family member to gather the necessary ingredients, two may combine these to make the dough, and then everybody can separate this dough and place it onto the cookie sheets.

    You could either choose a favourite recipe or take this opportunity to try a new one.

    Go to a Park and Engage with Your Favourite Outdoor Activities

    This is a good idea if your family loves being outdoors. Think of every activity you want to do, then gather all the necessary equipment and go to a park.

    Watch a Movie

    If you’re all feeling tired but still want to spend some quality time with each other, enjoying a movie is a great way to do so. You could go to the theatre or watch one at home. Look up newly released movies and see if any pique your interest.

    Take the Time to Just Talk

    Sometimes, it’s fun to just have lighthearted conversations with your family. This would be perfect for those who are often busy and don’t normally take the time to sit down and talk with loved ones. You could do this after any meal on Family Day (after breakfast or lunch are good times) by lingering at your kitchen table for a while and letting the conversation flow.

    Suggestions for Connecting/Reconnecting with Family Members

    Reach Out to Them via E-mail or Social Media (When Connecting)

    This avenue would be best if you don’t feel comfortable verbally speaking with the family member(s) yet, but still want to effectively break the ice. Via e-mail or social media, reach out, ask how they’ve been doing, and express your interest in connecting with them.

    Contact Them through a Text Message or Phone Call (When Reconnecting)

    If you had a close relationship with the relative(s) before but you’ve drifted apart over the years, contact them through a text message or phone call. Let them know that you’ve missed them and have been thinking about reconnecting.

    Of course, this all varies according to everyone’s unique situation. The two most important factors when contacting these family members are addressing them as well as initiating the conversation in a suitable way and via the means that you see fit.

    Overall, this holiday is an important reminder that time is very precious, and everyone should make the most of it, particularly regarding time we have with loved ones. Whether it’s doing fun activities or reaching out to other family members with whom you can potentially have/continue to have fulfilling relationships, if you take the suggestions above, you’ll likely experience an enjoyable Family Day.