If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s the importance of social ties and human connections. Not only do they improve your emotional well-being, but they can bring physical benefits, such as overall brain health. However, while positive relationships can boost health, the opposite is often true when it comes to problematic relationships. Chronic emotional stress may put you at higher risk for a number of health problems.
A stress-inducing relationship can be one with a partner, a family member, a friend, or a professional colleague. Negative events may exacerbate factors for some, says Dr. Jennifer Gatchel, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Relationship stress is often particularly challenging for people who are in a role as caretaker for a child, ailing adult relative, or partner.
Tips for healthier relationships:
- Be an empathetic listener. Practice paying close attention when someone is speaking to you and take the time to understand what the person is saying.
- Share the spotlight. When someone is talking to you about a problem, keep the focus on them; avoid turning it into a discussion about an issue that you might be facing.
- Stay Calm. Try to keep calm during discussions to ensure that they are constructive rather than destructive. If you are not able to stay calm in the moment, step back and ask to revisit the conversation later when you are in a better place.
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