Celebrating for good mental and physical health

Yesterday, our family came together to celebrate a milestone birthday in style. Members from various locations gathered at the opulent Ivy Asia in Manchester for a private dining experience. The afternoon was filled with delicious food, fine wine, good company, reminiscing, storytelling, laughter and creating new memories. Which got me thinking, celebrating with family and friends isn’t just enjoyable it’s beneficial for our mental and physical health. Here's how:

Mental health benefits

Lowers stress

Positive social interactions help lower cortisol (the hormone associated with stress) and triggers the release of oxytocin, which promotes feelings of relaxation and happiness.

Reduces feelings loneliness

Celebrating with family and friends fosters connection and belonging, which are essential for maintaining emotional balance.

Boosts mood and resilience

Laughter, shared joy, and engaging in group activities release endorphins, improving mood and increasing emotional resilience. Celebrations often remind us of our support systems, which can help us feel more capable of handling life's challenges.

Cultivates gratitude

Recognizing milestones and achievements through celebrations promotes gratitude, which is strongly linked to greater life satisfaction, reduced stress, and improved mental health.

Builds positive memories

Celebrations create lasting memories, reinforcing a sense of identity and purpose. These memories can also serve as a source of comfort and joy during difficult times.

Physical health benefits

Lowers blood pressure

Positive social interactions and laughter during celebrations can lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart-related issues.

Improves immune function. Feeling connected to others has been linked to better immune responses.

Promotes healthier behaviours

Celebrations often involve shared meals and activities that encourage mindful eating and physical movement, such as dancing or playing games.

Improves sleep

Feeling emotionally connected and supported during celebrations can improve sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety.

Increases longevity

Strong social bonds have been shown to improve overall health and longevity. Regular celebrations strengthen these bonds, promoting a longer, healthier life.

Over to you

Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, new job, promotion, holiday or an impromptu dinner, take every opportunity to celebrate with family and friends to enrich all your lives.

What’s your next reason to celebrate and how will you orchestrate it?