Healthy relationships are one of the key primary foods in life. It’s vital to look beyond nourishing our physical body, and focus on that which nourishes our heart and soul. From friendships and marriages to siblings and co-workers, our relationships cultivate a community of companionship and support.

Healthy relationships have the ability to boost longevity, fight depression, and ultimately create an abundant life full of happiness. The health benefits of nourishing relationships are clear: research shows that happily married couples live longer and are less likely to have heart attacks; close friendships are proven to help cancer recovery; people who own pets are less likely to have stress-related diseases.  

As we near the final month of 2012, slow down and make some time to share the joy of the season with your loved ones.

Communicate – Whether in person, through an email, over Skype, or a good old-fashioned phone call, reach out to the people you love, even if it’s just to tell them, “I love you!” A little communication goes a long way in nurturing relationships.

Give a gift – ‘Tis the season for giving, and it’s fun to get personal and creative. Give a family member or friend the night off by offering to babysit her kids, or make a batch of seasonal healthy treats to share with co-workers.

Dine together – Meet at your favorite local restaurant, or invite friends and family over for a homemade meal. To keep preparations stress-free, suggest a potluck dinner and everyone can contribute a dish.

Plan an activity – Visit a museum, meet for a walk, or decorate for the holidays together. If you’re feeling really festive, plan an ornament exchange or a holiday cookie swap with a group of friends.

Practice self-love –Don’t forget about the most important relationship – the one with yourself! Taking care of your own needs, including a spiritual practice and regular exercise, allows you the freedom to love others to the best of your ability.

What’s your favorite way to focus on the people in your life?