January 1 can be one of the most challenging days of the year for me. I navigate through it, focusing on self-care and healing. I start every year with a 5k race, I surround myself with friends or activites I find reinvigerating, I try not to be too demanding of myself. I do the things you would expect a psychologist to do when depressed.

I’m not looking for anyone to help me directly, but I want to share something that really struck me today. A friend who knows what I’m going through reached out just to check in on me, and that small act spoke volumes. It reminded me that even on difficult days, someone cares. I know people care and I know I am not alone but to have a specific instance of someone checking on you is powerful. Just knowing I wasn’t alone made a significant impact.

This got me thinking about resilience, strength, and the power of connection. Let’s talk about the importance of reaching out. Whether you’re asking for help or offering it, that’s a display of real strength.

You might’ve heard of oxytocin, often called the “cuddle hormone.” It’s released during bonding moments—when parents and infants connect, during hugs with loved ones, and even when you gaze into your dog’s eyes. What’s fascinating is that oxytocin also functions as a stress hormone, prompting us to seek connection when we’re feeling overwhelmed. This means that reaching out to another person is a sign of strength; it’s your body’s way of rallying support to thrive. It means you are a badass!

I recently came across a study that tracked people’s stress levels and mortality rates over five years. Unsurprisingly, those with the highest stress levels had the highest mortality risk. However, what was fascinating is that people who regularly helped others showed no difference in mortality rates, regardless of their stress levels. This suggests that helping others can actually mitigate the effects of stress—another testament to the strength that comes from connection.

Moreover, sharing your resources with others is a powerful expression of strength in itself. Again bad ass!

So, while I’m good and don’t need anyone to reach out to me today, I encourage you to ask for help when you need it. And if you’re feeling alright, think about someone else who might appreciate a check-in. A simple message can mean the world and is a powerful reminder that connection matters. Let’s lift each other up! Show your strength and be a badass!