4 Ways To Keep Your Relationship Healthy
Relationships take work. They are a mix of emotions, feelings, and experiences. Especially, for those of you in a long-term relationship, it requires a sustainable balance and effort from both ends.
We often think that disagreements in a relationship are bad and “toxic”, but that’s completely normal. It’s frustrating and sometimes scary but relationships are supposed to be like that. Difficult conversations, and setting boundaries are all the basis of a strong and healthy relationship.
According to multiple researchers, the power of love directly affects our physical health, too, by boosting our immune system, improving our cardiovascular functioning, and increasing longevity. Know more about it, here.
So, let’s dive into 4 ways on how you can make your relationship better.
1. Understand each other’s love language.
Psychologist Dr. Gary Chapman introduced this amazing concept of “Love Languages”, which includes 5 ways in which people choose to express love:
- Words of Affirmation(Verbal Expression)
- Acts of Service(Love in Action)
- Receiving Gifts(Symbols of Love and Thoughtfulness)
- Quality Time(Connection through Presence)
- Physical Touch(Physical Connection)
Each one of us tends to have a dominating primary love language, a way in which we feel most loved.
To connect deeper and get more satisfaction in your relationship, check and understand your love language.
Spoiler alert- It’s not always about grand gestures.
We all have that inner critic- the voice that whispers doubts, insecurities, and comparisons.
The unrealistic expectations, questioning your abilities, past criticisms…the list goes on. These toxic thoughts act as chains, binding you to a mindset that stifles growth and hampers your self-esteem.
Affirmations like “I am capable,” “I am worthy,” and “I believe in myself” are your mantras to fight off these negative perceptions.
You need to acknowledge that imperfections are a part of the human experience and that they don’t diminish your worth. The more you challenge your negative self-talk, the quieter it becomes. This becomes essential for a healthy relationship.
3. Set Firm Boundaries
Be unapologetically firm about what you will and won’t tolerate in your life. It’s not about being mean; it’s about valuing yourself enough to guard your mental, emotional and relationship health.
You need to become assertive. When you assert your needs and communicate your limits, you send a powerful message to yourself- “I am worthy, and my well-being matters.”
Assertiveness is not a power play; it’s the ability to express your needs, desires, and limits with grace and confidence.
Learn to say no without guilt, express your needs clearly, and stand your ground when necessary. Your self-esteem will thank you.
4. Celebrate Your Wins, Big or Small
Revel in your victories, from conquering fear to successfully assembling IKEA furniture. You are the star of your show.
When you consciously celebrate your wins, no matter how small, your brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that gives you a sense of pleasure, a part of your reward system.
It’s not about the promotion, the fitness goal, or the successful presentation; it’s about acknowledging the daily victories that often go unnoticed, which creates a sense of positivity that strengthens your mind.
So, the next time when doubt arises in your mind, these celebrations will be gentle reminders that remind you of your capabilities, progress and triumphs.
I have seen these habits work wonders for some of my clients. I hope you also benefit from it and do let me know if it does.
If you want to work with me to resolve conflicts and improve your relationships, click here to Book your Appointment.
