How often do you get to spend time with your family? Maybe every night you go home into the loving arms of your significant other. On the other hand, maybe time spent with family is limited due to work, school, or distance. Sometimes we get so caught up in work and in ourselves that we forget about the essential relationships in our lives. So why should spending time with family be more of a priority for us?

1. Creating Memories. You always want the good memories to outweigh the bad ones. If you have a chance to create more happy memories with loved ones, take it! If you’re ever going through a rough patch and you need a reminder of those who care for you, you’ll have these warm, precious memories tucked away to reminisce on.
2. Reinforcing Bonds. Maybe you and your family have been through some conflict. Maybe you have been distant due to other obligations and your relationship is lagging. Whatever the case, spending time with family can reinforce and strengthen your connections. This is important so that you know you have someone there to talk to who will never turn their back on you.
3. Vulnerability. The closer you are to someone, the more you open up to them. This can be beneficial to your well being if you ever need to talk. Instead of bottling up your emotions and feeling alone, you’ll feel close enough with your family members to discuss your feelings, leaving you feeling relieved.
4. Laughter is the best medicine. Laughing with your family will remind you of the love you share regardless of the miles between you, or the conflict you may face. Laughter will lift your spirits and encourage a positive mood.
5. If all else fails, you have family to back you up. No matter what, a family with a strong bond will take care of one another. If you truly need help, or a shoulder to cry on, or a roof over your head, your family will provide that for you. If you lose everything in your life–your home, your job, whatever it is–they are there with open arms to nurture you back into good health mentally.

While it’s also important to provide a stable income for your family, taking one day to focus only on your family shouldn’t impact your income. You could look back at your life one day and say “I didn’t spend nearly as much time with my family as I should have,” and that can lead to regretting aspects of your life. It doesn’t matter how old you are when you start building a stronger relationship with your family. As long as you are trying, that’s what counts. The time you spend with family is absolutely priceless. You never know when you may lose someone. You never know if it’s the last time you’ll see someone. Cherish and make the most of the time you have with them.