From: https://tinyurl.com/2andma2z (theepochtimes.com)

Why This Thanksgiving Day Is So Important After COVID

Even in the darkest times, rituals can help ground us, distract us from
negative thinking cycles, and give us the chance to emerge stronger.

By Robert Backer
Nov 22, 2023

Thanksgiving has been a quintessential American holiday for hundreds of
years. Dating back to 1621, this time-honored tradition has brought
families and communities together to celebrate resilience, gratitude, and
our shared humanity.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected our ability to come
together during cherished moments. There's no denying the pandemic-filled
with physical, logistical, and financial challenges, among other
concerns-was draining for many of us.

This holiday season, it may be more important than ever that we take time
to return to our traditions, spend quality time with loved ones, and
remember that we are social creatures.

How COVID Changed Our Holidays

Looking back at November 2020, after the onset of the coronavirus, [12]60
percent of Americans had canceled or modified their Thanksgiving plans,
according to Axios polling. Since that time, we've experienced sweeping
changes in our society. Though many of us have returned-in part or in
full-to work or school, [13]few would say things have returned to
"normal."
A recent Gallup poll revealed that socializing was back up to [14]68
percent, but mental health has been conspicuously slower to rebound. Only
40 percent of Americans said they felt their mental health has regained
balance since the start of all this.

If you think back to the pandemic onset for a moment, you may recall some
of the mixed feelings contributing to overall mental health. For many of
us, it was a time of dread, as fears over how to pay the bills loomed.
Yet, for some, it was initially appealing to get to stay home, even during
the holidays. Let's be honest, who among us hasn't felt a certain sense of
relief at the occasional snow day or sick day?

Yet, while it may be convenient to enjoy your life, free from some of the
social responsibilities that life in the physical-or, one might say the
"real" world-brings, the novelty of individual downtime can wear thin.

For many young people, life "online" proved to be [16]less engaging as
it grew more protracted. The circumstances of the pandemic were
[17]detrimental to mental health. It also interfered with important
[18]social milestones, like graduation celebrations and travel plans.
Maintaining close social relationships following this period of isolation
continues to be a challenge for many. With this, depression, anxiety, and
loneliness have soared to unpredicted levels.

The Value of People

People, for the most part, are designed to interact with one another. The
accessibility of social media certainly helped many of us feel more
connected during the pandemic. However, like synthetic foods, online
interactions may still be lacking in the essential ingredients that make a
balanced diet. For example, when we meet on Zoom, [19]our brain doesn't
respond the same way it does with people in person. In face-to-face
conversations, we can connect more deeply because we view others as a
person rather than a thing.

Social isolation has been implicated in a [22]wide range of not only
psychologically adverse outcomes but also a wide array of physical ones,
ranging from higher blood pressure and cholesterol to chronic diseases and
accelerated aging. Feeling lonely has even been found to be comparable
with well-established risk factors for [23]mortality.

The fact is that, despite the value of other good things in life, quality
relationships are vital to human success and well-being. Dr. Martin
Seligman, a pioneer in the field of positive psychology and well-being
research, states that [24]five essential qualities promote mental
flourishing: positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and
accomplishment.

So important and impactful is socialization that it has been recently
dubbed "[29]vitamin S." Even small interactions with strangers can give a
boost to a lonely person. If you think back to the days of COVID-19
confinement, perhaps a once-unappealing trip to stores for supplies-along
with the simple exchanges this brought-may have even started to seem like
a much-needed oasis!

Unique Benefits of Tradition and Rituals for the Mind and Body

Given the copious amounts of social distancing we endured, many have
adapted to a "new normal," in which personal contact and formal social
rituals have become less appealing. To some, they may even seem somewhat
superfluous. After all, they require travel, personal investment, and-at
times-compromise with the "rough edges" of our kinfolk.

Yet, our social traditions and rituals as a society serve several [32]very
important roles in well-being, which we ought to cherish this
Thanksgiving. They not only improve psychological health but can,
amazingly, help with physical health.

Breaking Negative Thought Cycles

Mind-body connection: rumination and inflammation

For many, when we feel insecure in life-whether it's due to a personal
setback, a conflict, or struggles to find our place in the world-we are
drawn to the familiar. Perhaps it's enjoying a homey meal, walking a
well-worn trail, or returning to activities we did growing up. Rituals
help us hit the reset button.

In World War I, soldiers faced extremely trying conditions-cold, damp
trenches, illness, violence-far from home. The suffering was both mental
and physical. Yet, for a brief moment during the [33]Christmas Truce, that
torment was-at least in some small measure-mollified. Along much of the
front lines, soldiers on both sides laid down their arms and joined
together in celebrating the cherished holiday, proving the power of
ritual. Why? Even in the darkest times, rituals can help ground us,
distract us from negative thinking by redirecting our minds elsewhere, and
give us the chance to emerge stronger.

Where attention goes, the mind follows. In trying times, people tend to
gain solace from rituals, which help to bring us back into balance by
[35]refocusing attention on ideal mental states, like peace, harmony, or
savoring. From a psychological standpoint, there's a great deal of utility
in this.

But if we ruminate over life's troubles too much-repeatedly rehashing
negative thoughts, emotions, or past events and their causes-it's bad for
both our mental and physical health.

A recent [36]review found strong connections between rumination and
inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-4, and
interleukin-6. One [37]study found that rumination produced higher
cortisol and CRP levels, compared to shifting one's thoughts. Though
cortisol declined, inflammation lingered. Inflammation, in turn,
negatively influences a wide array of health outcomes-everything from your
likelihood of catching colds to the severity and course of major chronic
diseases like [38]rheumatoid arthritis.

By engaging full-heartedly in positive holiday activities, we can break
negative cycles. In our current times, holidays have grown more
complicated, with commercial and media influences, as well as families
choosing to live farther apart. But we can choose what aspects we want to
focus on. Let this season be one of savoring the positive.

Restoring a Sense of Control

Mind-body connection: hopelessness and cancer outcomes

By engaging in familiar rituals, we also gain a sense of control in life.
Feeling a [40]lack of control can be one of the most dangerous things to
psychological security, and even small gestures that promote a sense of
reassurance can be powerful. Completing holiday traditions helps signal
control and stability, which fortify us through tough times.

Chronically feeling "it's out of my hands" can eventually produce
hopelessness. In classic psychology experiments, when an animal was
placed in an environment with a shock, they would-quite
understandably-try to escape. However, when escape was perceived as
impossible, animals would instead cower and display depressed
symptoms-even when later allowed to leave, they did not attempt to do
so. They became broken. What's more, this mental "learned
helplessness" also had consequences for the body, as evinced in
[41]lower levels of certain antibodies. In humans, studies have
linked hopelessness to serious health consequences. For instance, one
[42]longitudinal study found mortality rates in cancer and heart
disease patients were two to four times higher in those who felt
helpless. One longitudinal study found mortality rates in cancer and
heart disease patients were two to four times higher in those who
felt helpless.

Learning to recognize and celebrate [44]what we can control is an
important part of replenishing engagement with life. Despite life's
debacles, laying out decorations, carving the turkey, and providing
tokens of care to our loved ones over the holidays instill a
buffering sense of [45]control and [46]self-efficacy. Completing
these small, time-honored activities can remind us that we are
capable of "coming to the table" as functioning, impactful members of
society.

Enhancing Close Relationships

Mind-body connection: loneliness and heart disease

People bond over shared activities. Breaking bread allows us to integrate
our world with others.

Admittedly, this may be uncomfortable when certain family members are
difficult or, perhaps, generational gaps are present. Especially today,
media pummels us with new information daily, and what we consume online
drives a feedback loop where people effectively see different versions of
reality. This can magnify our differences.

Despite that, however, sharing common rituals can [48]promote unity.
The value of quality relationships in life cannot be overstated. Needs for
closeness and [49]belonging are some of the strongest humans have, and
exclusion [50]profoundly impacts allostatic load, immune function, and
well-being. When we say, "You broke my heart" to someone, we're not
kidding. Meta-analyses have revealed people without close relationships
are 51% more likely to have [51]heart disease, 32% more likely to
[52]stroke, and 30% more likely to [53]die, regardless of the cause.
Meanwhile, stronger social connections were associated with some serious
reductions in the likelihood of adverse health events, including 59% for
[54]hypertension and 50% for [55]premature death, overall.

Eating your Cheerios aside, perhaps it's time for a healthy helping of
relationships this season. Belonging signals that we are okay, we have
support, and we can relax.

Rekindling Meaning in Our Lives

Mind-body connection: sense of purpose and immunity

As Viktor Frankl, Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, wrote in "Man's
Search for Meaning," "Those who have a `why' to live can bear with almost
any `how.'" For generations, our countrymen celebrated many of the same
values that we do today. When we connect with tradition, we begin to think
of the past and future as united, which gives meaning to life and allows
us to transcend present frustrations.

As many who have overcome significant hardship can attest, knowing what's
important keeps us anchored and moving forward. It puts struggles in
context, so we can look forward to bigger payoffs later down the road.
Purpose can promote optimism and positive feelings, which encourage us to
live our lives well and take care of ourselves-in contrast, lack of
meaning can leave us feeling stagnant and encourage risky behaviors.

Perhaps it's for these reasons that meaning in life has been broadly
associated with [57]health benefits, including a positive impact on
surgery outcomes, perceived pain, and HIV and cancer prognoses. Yet,
meaning also impacts cellular function. For instance, one [58]study found
that participants who found a higher sense of purpose after reflecting on
life showed increases in natural killer cell functioning, a critical
component of our immune system; natural killer cell function decreased in
those with lower meaning.

[59]One study found that participants who found a higher sense of purpose
after reflecting on life showed increases in natural killer cell
functioning, a critical component of our immune system.

In a world where the self is increasingly central, a sense of belonging to
something bigger-a nation, a belief system, or even the universe may
actually be what we need. As such, holiday traditions enrich life's
meaning, instilling feelings of contentment, gratitude, and even awe.

`That Way' Is `The Way'

Thanksgiving can remind us of what's important. No matter how we feel at
the start of our holiday, our holiday rituals have a way of pulling us out
of the daily grind and affirming that some things in life are still more
precious.

When we expend effort-time, money, and patience-to keep our family
traditions alive, we [61]internalize their importance. You might think,
"It's just an arbitrary series of things we do, we could just as well go
grab takeout!" Well, you aren't necessarily wrong. We can't always justify
why we do it "that way" with the family. But as it turns out, the "what"
is less important than the "why." Some families prefer turkey, others
ham-or maybe even spam with pineapple. The quirkiness of some of our
rituals, which are unique to us and often lack specific reason, can
actually [62]increase the value.

Our values seem attenuated in recent years, owing to an increasing
disconnect. Yet, holidays like Thanksgiving, which celebrates generosity
and gratitude, can help restore important values that keep society
thriving.

Of course, you could just send others a "hashtag turkey" message, pop on
Netflix, and kick back at home. This may be more convenient. But
surprisingly, many of the "best things in life" never are.

Links:
12. https://www.axios.com/2020/11/24/axios-ipsos-poll-covid-thanksgiving
13. https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/news-polls/axios-ipsos-coronavirus-index
14. https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/308126/roundup-gallup-covid-coverage.asp x
16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3214398/#:~:text=In%20addition%2C% 20many%20studies%20have,self%20efficacy%2C%20etc%20among%20adolescents.&text=De pression%20is%20the%20most%20frequently%20reported%20psychiatric%20symptom%20as sociated%20with%20Internet%20overuse
17. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165178123000355#abs0001 18. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/stay ing-home-during-covid19-help-teens-cope
19. https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/this-is-your-brain-on-zoom-5529362
22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3874845/
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30. Image: https://www.theepochtimes.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.c om%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F22%2Fid5534092-thanksgiving_image_family1-1 .jpg&w=3840&q=75
32. https://escholarship.org/content/qt88p7357w/qt88p7357w.pdf
33. https://www.britannica.com/event/The-Christmas-Truce
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38. http://www.alergomed.org/uploads/1/0/0/2/10021998/lectura_seminario_-_artritis_ reumatoide_2.pdf
40. https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/pdf/10.1146/annurev.me.23.020172.002203 41. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0889159188900104
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44. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hershey-Friedman/publication/375375435_Ove rcoming_Cognitive_Distortions_How_to_Recognize_and_Challenge_the_Thinking_Traps _that_Make_You_Miserable/links/65483c17ce88b87031c92094/Overcoming-Cognitive-Di stortions-How-to-Recognize-and-Challenge-the-Thinking-Traps-that-Make-You-Miser able.pdf
45. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/daf5/de8f046a32afcdc596ccf624b4b92aed461c.pdf
46. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gordon-Bower/publication/38184289_Mood_and _self-efficacy_Impact_of_joy_and_sadness_on_perceived_capabilities/links/0c9605 2603439308e4000000/Mood-and-self-efficacy-Impact-of-joy-and-sadness-on-perceive d-capabilities.pdf
48. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/550b09eae4b0147d03eda40d/t/597268349f745 61bd80857ce/1500670015841/When-novel-rituals-impact-intergroup-bias.pdf
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50. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Advances_in_Experimental_Social_Psycholo/8 XKXEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=sunami+jaremka&pg=PA277&printsec=frontcover
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58. https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=06c6c511bef77b6f 8274bbf127b067a2e9bac288
61. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/216743170_The_What_and_Why_of_Goal_Pur suits_Human_Needs_and_the_Self-Determination_of_Behavior
62. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0010027715300469

-- Sean

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