It is said that a family is like the branches of a tree; we grow in different directions, yet our roots remain the same. As people go far from their homes in search of good jobs, family bonds are weakening as the opportunities for family get togethers are few. This may be why so many people, especially members of joint families, now plan a picnic with other members of the family rather than their friends and colleagues.
Orissa POST interacts with a few members of families which celebrate their Christmas holidays along with other family members every year.
Surya Kanta Sahoo of Cuttack said, “This year we have decided to spend the Xmas holiday at Pramod Udyan, a nature park in Tangi on the outskirts of Cuttack. With the park being in great demand, we booked the place early and we want to spend as much time as possible with the family. According to a recent study, spending time in a natural environment is good for mental health. Researchers have noted that increased urbanisation closely corresponds with increased incidences of depression and other forms of mental disorders. Spending more time in nature’s lap can help in maintaining our psychological as well as physical well-being.”
“To get away from the routine and hectic life in the city, a picnic with family is something all of us long for. The delicious food cooked by the male members of the family and the good facilities at the park makes the time we spend together enjoyable. The added attraction is the antakshari played by our family members. We say that such gatherings are fun for the kids, but they are equally or more entertaining for the elders as the outings bring out the child in everyone,” he added.
Bipin Kumar Dash of Cuttack said, “You don’t need to find reasons to spend time with the family. Even if you attend such day outs regularly, you still find them enjoyable. The pleasure you derive from such get-togethers is different from what you experience on a trip with your colleagues or friends.”
“Taking some time out from the daily grind helps you reduce your stress level. Spending quality time with close ones and having good food rejuvenates the mind. It is said that the families that eat together, stay together. So, having lunch together really helps in bonding and teaches the kids about the value of togetherness. That’s why we have family picnics every year,” he added.
Arundhati Samal, a homemaker of Bhubaneswar, said, “Family picnics are great occasions to create a feeling of togetherness. The members, including the kids, get to know each other better when the outings are held during school holidays. Picnics also take the kids and youths away for a while from the world of smartphones, computers, tablets and social media addiction. A picnic without phones or other electronic gadgets is a great way to connect with your soul and reboot your energy and mind. Odisha is all about natural beauty. The bright sunshine, cool breeze, and lush greenery are mood elevating. Such an environment greatly helps in reducing our stress levels.”
“Many of our family members are working outside the state so we hardly get an opportunity to be together. A picnic with family members would make you realise how little you know about your kin. So, such events are very helpful in getting to know each other better. The advice offered by the elders on these occasions often help the younger people overcome problematic issues,” she added.
“I think one must spend as much time as possible with the family. A study reveals that a family picnic strengthens the bond between the members and improves communication. A mug of beer with friends is a great way to unwind, but it is no substitute to spending time with the family,” said Mahesh Sahoo of Bhubaneswar.
“Often our parents too need this kind of an outing which many of us don’t realise. It is also important to give your mother and wife the break they deserve. Christmas holidays are the best time to take our parents for an outing as the weather is pleasant. So, spot a location, pack your bags and go to some place where everyone will get quality time to enjoy,” Mahesh added.
Bhubaneswar based Jajati Keshari Rout, who is working in Faridabad, said, “Sometimes we get so busy with our life that even eating together is a challenge. A picnic with the family offers several health and psychological benefits. On a winter afternoon, a picnic is a perfect escape from your routine life. Picnics provide the ideal opportunity for your kids to unwind. Often, we also get to learn from them. The games we play during a picnic always help improve the family bond. This is the reason we arrange an annual family picnic where the kids also learn about the value of kinship.”
Deepak Swain, a senior resident doctor of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar said, “We are a joint family and we go on a picnic every year to a nearby place where we can enjoy fresh air. An outing helps reduce levels of anxiety. Exposure to sunshine also betters mood and reduces stress levels of the family members. Being in the fresh air is beneficial for children with respiratory problems like asthma. A picnic on a sunny day also aids in vitamin D and calcium absorption, which helps to build strong bones and teeth and helps prevent diseases like osteoporosis and rickets. So, don’t forget to play with your children under the sun during your picnic. Lunching together also improves the behaviour of the kids and youth. The possibility of addiction to smoking or alcohol gets minimised if the youth have strong bonds with the family. A family picnic is not only about fun, it is a good opportunity to fortify bonds.”
SOYONG, OP