CHARACTERISTICS OF A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPA Personal Letter from Drs. Brenda and Erik Slovin... The Mind/Body Connection Tina Turner soulfully poured her heart out to us as she crooned “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” So what does love, or any kind of relationship for that matter, have to do with your health? Turns out, relationships have quite a bit to do with the mind/body connection. For example, a positive, optimistic attitude leads to a stronger immune system and can even increase longevity by several years. Several studies of the mind/body connection indicate that being in a healthy, supportive relationship may have more of an impact on your health than diet, exercise, stress, medication, or even your inherited genetics. Indeed, two recent surveys confirm that compassionate or warm-hearted relationships demonstrate uniquely positive associations with health.1 Conversely, socially isolated people are two to five times more likely to die prematurely than those who have a sense of closeness in their lives. Life’s Script And Personal Growth – Is There Room For Both? There is little doubt that our increasingly hectic lifestyles have taken a serious toll on our relationships. Husbands and wives spend their days trying to juggle the demands of career, finances, household chores and family. Cultivating and maintaining healthy relationships as well as our own personal growth frequently become casualties of life’s busy script. We tell ourselves that we just simply do not have the time. However, without ongoing personal growth, your life’s script becomes incredibly limited and unfulfilling. Personal growth begins with the willingness to expand your comfort zone by taking stock of your current mindset. Many people unwittingly sabotage relationships, happiness and even professional success due to unhealthy habits, attitudes or behaviors. Advice For Healthy Relationships And Personal Growth Do
you feel dissatisfied with the course your life is taking? Or do you want
to develop stronger personal development skills? Here is a bit of healthy
relationship advice to get you on the road to achieving fulfillment through
personal growth: Why Is Personal Growth Important? Your personal growth is an important factor in achieving a sense of fulfillment and self-worth. It is also a crucial factor in developing and maintaining healthy relationships. These relationships can include your spouse, your circle of friends, your co-workers or classmates, or those who share your hobbies or interests. Meaningful relationships – or lack thereof – have been proven to play an integral role in your health, longevity and wellbeing. Studies have shown that simple physical contact, whether it is hugging, holding hands, or even holding or cuddling with your pet, reduces the incidence of heart disease, high blood pressure, stress, anxiety and depression. Similarly, quality relationships that support and encourage personal growth dramatically reduce the likelihood of developing a dangerous set of conditions classified as metabolic syndrome. Some of the life-threatening conditions associated with metabolic syndrome include high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity. Characteristics Of A Healthy Relationship Healthy relationships are characterized by respect, sharing and trust. Listen to one another and value each other’s opinions. Support each other’s feelings, values, and goals in life. Be willing to communicate openly and honestly. Take personal responsibility for your mistakes. Be willing to compromise and accept change. In a marriage, acknowledge that both partners are equal. Make family or relationship decisions together, taking each other’s individual opinions into consideration. Be willing to make financial decisions together. Allow your spouse to feel comfortable and safe in expressing thoughts, fears or opinions. Supportive, nurturing relationships enrich our lives, providing love and companionship while also helping to keep us young at heart. This powerful mind/body connection translates into improved overall health, sharper cognitive function and longevity. So where do you start in your quest to develop healthy relationships? Try participating in community events that you enjoy or in which you have an interest. Meeting people with similar interests can jumpstart friendships. Are there organizations specific to your chosen profession? If so, consider joining. Volunteering is also an excellent way to foster close relationships. Take time today to cultivate and nurture healthy relationships with the people in your life. Seek out new friendships, and treasure the comfort of lifelong friends. Your reward will be a life that is infinitely richer, happier and healthier. .............................................................. |