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Category: Relationships

Published on Leave a comment on Learning to “Practice the Pause”
Learning to practice the pause.

There’s no denying that we live in a busy, hectic society that rarely slows down to take a pause. It’s easy to fall into the pressure “trap” of trying to always be "productive" or packing your schedule too full. 

Unfortunately, that’s become the norm for far too many people. But, it can end up causing a lot of stress. That can quickly lead to feelings of anxiety or depression. It can also make you feel overwhelmed, burnt out, and not like yourself. 

While it’s often easier said than done to “slow down,” one thing you can do to improve your actions each day and to find some relaxation is to “practice the pause.” 

But, what does that mean, exactly? 

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Published on Leave a comment on Is Your Partner Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder? Here’s How to Help
Helping a Partner with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

You’ve likely heard about “the winter blues ” or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). You probably know that many people are deeply affected by the shift from warmer weather to the dark days of winter. The change of seasons elicits emotions that make some feel inexplicably tired and persistently sad. The condition is real and even debilitating for some.

If your partner is one such person, the seasonal shift may be confusing and frustrating. Perhaps their inability to pinpoint their sadness and work through it has even become a point of contention.

...continue reading "Is Your Partner Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder? Here’s How to Help"

Published on Leave a comment on Assertive Communication Skills: How to Find Your Voice
Assertive Communication Skills

Some people think of being assertive as the same as being aggressive. They might not want to “come off” a certain way, so they hold themselves back from speaking what’s really on their heart and mind. The reality? Assertiveness is often helpful. 

But, that doesn’t make it easy for some of us to be more assertive in daily conversations. You might worry about offending others, or feel like you’re being “mean”. 

Unfortunately, when you aren’t ever assertive, it’s easy for people to walk all over you or think they can get away with treating you poorly. 

So, how do you find a balance between being assertive and not being “demanding”? How can you find your voice?  It’s easier than you might think if you’re willing to put some concrete steps in place. 

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Published on Leave a comment on How to Choose to NOT be Offended

It is human nature and so easy to become offended. Someone may say something that rubs you the wrong way. Maybe what they say feels like an “attack” on something you’ve done or that you value. Sometimes it's necessary to evaluate your role in being offended.

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Published on 1 Comment on Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Your Anger: Why Closure or Resolution Matters.
Couple argues without resolution.

Ever wonder why it can be so hard to let things go and move on when an argument doesn't have a resolution? Have you thought about why you seem to mostly remember those arguments with your partner that were not worked out? Ever wonder why its difficult to leave some things in the past when there has been no resolution? Why it is we can forget so much but not our unfinished business? Well, one of the several reasons for this is the Zeigarnik Effect--boy, that was a mouthful!

...continue reading "Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Your Anger: Why Closure or Resolution Matters."

Published on Leave a comment on The Benefits and Mental Health Boost of Volunteering in Your Community
Volunteer

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Everyone can recognize the obvious benefits of volunteering. It allows you to get out in your community and do something good for others. Depending on the group or organization, you could really be making a difference with just a few hours of work.  But, there are many personal benefits to volunteering, as well. That includes giving your mental health a boost. Simply put, you’ll probably feel better after volunteering for a cause you’re passionate about. 

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Published on Leave a comment on Journal Prompts for Relationships
Journal prompts for relationships

Are your relationships a function of bad choices and bad luck? Or could you make changes that might improve the way you live with and love others?

You’re in good company if your relationships leave you perplexed and somewhat dissatisfied from time to time. Relationships can be tough and messy at times. Hard times can strain the bonds that keep them together.

Yet, we need to be together, we want to connect and belong. And we want those things on deep levels with the people that mean the most to us. Even if you haven’t met the partner of your dreams yet, you likely still long to know the people in your circle well and want to feel deeply known too.

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Published on Leave a comment on Facing Relationship Challenges as a Team During Trying Times
Face life challenges as a team.

Life will always have a certain amount of trials and challenges to face, and 2020 has given us more than our fair share it seems. Instead of turning on one another, though, how can couples face the challenging issues as a team... and win?

...continue reading "Facing Relationship Challenges as a Team During Trying Times"