Post by Simply_Uneque on Apr 6, 2004 13:13:56 GMT -5
Stress may be affecting your relationship without you even being aware of it. How many times have you verbally snapped at your partner for no apparent reason? Or, how often have you felt an unjustified strain in your relationship? If you're up for a promotion, trying to get a new job or house, in school, or just plain too busy, you're more than likely experiencing a good amount of stress. So, just how does this affect your relationship?
If not recognized as the source of your frustration it could be easy to take things out on your partner. Many people like solitude when they are feeling stressed. Your partner could easily take this separation as a lack of desire to be around them. Stress can also affect the perspective you use when thinking about things. You may find yourself nagging your partner over little things that really don't matter, but because you're stressed they seem to be more important than they really are. Stress is one of the unspoken leading causes of relationship failures. Make sure you're keeping your emotions in check with these tips.
1. Recognize when it is stress talking.
If you're feeling like you're being a little more negative than usual, make sure it is really how you're feeling and not stress talking. The last thing you want to do is make your partner feel like you don't enjoy being around them or that your feelings are dwindling. It may be too late to take back something you've said, but you can at least stop to explain why it happened.
2. Learn to balance your loads.
Make sure you're spending appropriate time on each area of your life. Don't spend all your time at work, and don't load up all your free time with activities. A great way to help you spend enough time on yourself, and with your partner is to mark on a calendar at the beginning of each month which days you will be spending time on yourself, and which days you're reserving for spending one-on-one time with your partner. If you have children, you should also add days for spending time just with your children as a family. Coordinate dates with your partner so your schedule doesn't conflict. If someone asks if you are available to do something, never plan something that will interfere with your previously scheduled dates.
3. Be realistic in setting up goals or time management.
So many times we expect too much of ourselves. When planning your to do lists or making future goals, be realistic as to how long it will take to achieve them. In fact, give yourself some extra time to complete tasks to allow for those pesky unexpected delays.
4. Make time to reconnect with nature, family and play.
When was the last time you went on a walk with your partner somewhere? Have you gone to the park or beach as an entire family lately? Make it a priority to spend at least two days a month with your partner outside, away from your daily life, doing something.
5. Don't worry, be happy.
In the bigger scheme of things it doesn't matter the things you've accomplished, but rather how you felt while accomplishing them. It doesn't matter if you've made it to the top of your company if you don't enjoy life. When you feel the ebbs of stress creeping up your neck, just take a deep breath and relax. Remember the old saying, "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger."
If not recognized as the source of your frustration it could be easy to take things out on your partner. Many people like solitude when they are feeling stressed. Your partner could easily take this separation as a lack of desire to be around them. Stress can also affect the perspective you use when thinking about things. You may find yourself nagging your partner over little things that really don't matter, but because you're stressed they seem to be more important than they really are. Stress is one of the unspoken leading causes of relationship failures. Make sure you're keeping your emotions in check with these tips.
1. Recognize when it is stress talking.
If you're feeling like you're being a little more negative than usual, make sure it is really how you're feeling and not stress talking. The last thing you want to do is make your partner feel like you don't enjoy being around them or that your feelings are dwindling. It may be too late to take back something you've said, but you can at least stop to explain why it happened.
2. Learn to balance your loads.
Make sure you're spending appropriate time on each area of your life. Don't spend all your time at work, and don't load up all your free time with activities. A great way to help you spend enough time on yourself, and with your partner is to mark on a calendar at the beginning of each month which days you will be spending time on yourself, and which days you're reserving for spending one-on-one time with your partner. If you have children, you should also add days for spending time just with your children as a family. Coordinate dates with your partner so your schedule doesn't conflict. If someone asks if you are available to do something, never plan something that will interfere with your previously scheduled dates.
3. Be realistic in setting up goals or time management.
So many times we expect too much of ourselves. When planning your to do lists or making future goals, be realistic as to how long it will take to achieve them. In fact, give yourself some extra time to complete tasks to allow for those pesky unexpected delays.
4. Make time to reconnect with nature, family and play.
When was the last time you went on a walk with your partner somewhere? Have you gone to the park or beach as an entire family lately? Make it a priority to spend at least two days a month with your partner outside, away from your daily life, doing something.
5. Don't worry, be happy.
In the bigger scheme of things it doesn't matter the things you've accomplished, but rather how you felt while accomplishing them. It doesn't matter if you've made it to the top of your company if you don't enjoy life. When you feel the ebbs of stress creeping up your neck, just take a deep breath and relax. Remember the old saying, "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger."
