Healthy habits are beneficial. We can build healthy habits into personal daily routines. Exercise. Diet. Meditation. Work boundaries.
Consistency in these practices can lead to positive personal outcomes.
Similarly, there are practices that we can put into place that will lead to healthier relational outcomes. Below are six practices that can lead to a healthier relationship.
#1 — Take time to talk:
One of the easiest ways to improve communication between couples is to take time to talk. This will help you both become more aware of each other's feelings and needs. It also helps you learn to express yourself better.
There is a need to set distractions aside. Use active listening skills. And give the relationship the time and energy it deserves.
#2 — Be Honest with Each Other:
If you want to make sure your relationship stays strong, you should be honest with each other. You should also try to avoid being critical when talking to your partner. Personal critiques or criticism will often lead to exhausting fights.
Emotional regulation skills can be very useful in helping couples stay present in hard conversations without allowing it to go in a bad direction.
#3 — Spend Time Together Alone:
It’s important to spend time alone together as a couple. This means spending quality time together without distractions.
Make sure you do things that you both enjoy doing. Try new activities together. Go to museums, concerts, or sporting events. Take walks or hikes. Here are 26 ideas on things you can do when you are together.
#4 — Talk About Feelings:
Talking about feelings is an essential part of healthy relationships. If you feel something is bothering you, talk about it with your partner. Don’t bottle up your emotions. Instead, share them with each other. You might even consider talking to a counselor or therapist.
#5 — Don't try to change each other:
If you're trying to change your partner's behavior, you'll probably fail. Instead, focus on changing yourself so that you become more accepting of who he or she is. This will help you both feel less stressed and more comfortable with one another.
#6: Focus on yourself first:
You need to understand how you react when things go wrong before you can effectively communicate with others. Start by understanding what makes you angry, sad, anxious, or frustrated. Then, try to identify why you act the way you do. Once you've identified the root cause of your emotions, you can start to work on ways to control them.
Build Relational Health Through Couples Therapy at Wellspace Counseling
Building a healthy and happy relationship takes work. And sometimes it takes a little extra help to get the work done. Jason Wilkinson at Wellspace Counseling is ready to help you get that healthy relationship you desire.
Wellspace Counseling in Tigard, Oregon can provide therapy to individuals and couples in Tigard, Tualatin, Lake Oswego, and Portland. Online therapy can also be used for those who live in other areas throughout the state of Oregon.
Schedule your free phone consultation with Jason Wilkinson to start your journey to mental and emotional wellness.
OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES
Learning to improve self-confidence is not the only benefit of receiving therapy at Wellspace Counseling in Tigard, Tualatin, Lake Oswego, and throughout Portland, Oregon. Some other services you might be interested in include: