Strong social connections can improve your physical and mental health and even lead to a longer life. The holidays offer a perfect opportunity to begin strengthening your relationships with family and friends.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), relationships with family, friends, co-workers and community members can have a significant impact on health and well-being. People who are socially connected and have stable and supportive relationships are more likely to make healthy choices and have better mental and physical health.

During tough times, strong relationships can help you better cope with stress, anxiety and depression. Social connection can even help prevent serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression and anxiety.

The CDC offers five tips for building meaningful social relationships:

• Establish and maintain social connections. A wider social circle can provide a greater variety of resources, information and opportunities to help you with life’s challenges. Expand your social network by joining a group with shared interests. Get involved in your community and make an effort to develop more diverse social connections. Cultivate the relationships you already have by staying in regular contact with people you care about.
• Seek support and support others in return. Reach out for help from your family, community or healthcare providers during tough times. Provide support to others in return. It not only gives them much-needed help, but it can also make you feel better.
• Strengthen the quality of your social connections. Focus on building high-quality, meaningful social connections. You can do this by finding ways to be responsive and supportive. For example, take the time to listen to a friend who is dealing with a problem. Take steps to address conflict or negative feelings as soon as they arise.
• Address barriers to social connection. If a busy schedule prevents you from connecting with others, consider inviting a friend to join you in activities you already do – such as exercising or dining out. Don’t let technology replace relationships. And take care of your health so that poor health does not prevent you from spending time with others.
• Talk with a healthcare provider about concerns like stress, loneliness and social isolation. Life changes can lead to social isolation and disconnection. Let your healthcare provider know when you are struggling with loneliness or stresses in your life so that your provider can better understand how to help you.

Visit the CDC’s Social Connectedness resources page for more ideas for strengthening social connections.