You and your partner should be each other’s biggest support systems, and that includes helping one another cope with the stresses of daily life. From sweating the small stuff to navigating the big challenges (like getting laid off during a pandemic), how you meet these moments can drastically change how they impact your lives.
However, figuring out how to approach each other’s stressors might be easier said than done and it’s definitely a learning process that you’ll need to go through together. To get you started on the right track, try these 3 ways to help each other de-stress and in turn, improve your relationship.
#1: Talk it out & Listen without Judgement
Talking through your problems can be one of the simplest ways to deal with stress. It allows you to acknowledge the problem, vent about, and reduce how much energy it takes up in your mind. While it might seem like a small thing, it’s important to make sure you and your partner are comfortable communicating with one another and sharing the burden of your worries.
One of the best things you and your partner can do for one another is agree to be there to listen to one another—and most importantly, without judgement. As you likely know, a lot of the time when we’re upset, we simply want someone to listen to us. Talking things through is therapeutic, especially when the person is truly listening instead of trying to fix the problem or point out what you’ve done to put yourself in this particular situation.
Make an agreement with your partner that you will listen openly, when that’s what you need. Of course, they can be a resourceful problem for you and vice versa, but wait until after the initial moment or ask them if that’s what they want when they’re in a stressful situation. It’s also important to be honest with one another—if one of you is experiencing severe stress or anxiety, maybe it’s time to bring a professional into the equation.
#2: Thoughtful Gestures in Times of Need
Does your girlfriend have a big presentation coming up that’s keeping her busy at the office into the late hours? Send her flowers, have lunch delivered, or stop by and drop off a care package that will help her keep her stress in check and remind her that she has someone there to support her. Grab some of her favorite snacks, pick up a CBD vape pen, and a card with a sweet message—it’s guaranteed to make her day better. Or maybe your husband is waiting for a verdict on his application for a big promotion. Take him away for the weekend to help keep his mind of the stress-inducing anticipation.
These are just examples, of course. It could be as simple as having dinner and a cold beer waiting for them when they get home after a hectic day. You know your partner best, so think of a thoughtful gesture that will brighten their day and make them feel loved and you’ll be on the right track. It’s the thought that counts, after all.
#3: Relax Together
Many of us find our partner to be a source of solace when the world around us is too much. Find things that you both enjoy doing that can help de-stress after a long, hard day. Some examples of how you can de-stress together include:
- Watching movie and ordering in
- Going for a walk after work
- Giving each other massages
- Lying in bed reading next to each other
- Going out for dinner instead of cooking
- Exercising together
When trying to find ways to relax together, think about what you both enjoy doing. Now, which of those activities will help you relax your mind and body? Those are the kinds of activities that should be your fallback when you’re going through a stressful situation.
Overcome Challenges Together for a Stronger Relationship
Relationships are never easy, but they are stronger when you act as a partnership, and that includes helping each other through the hard days and down times. Figuring out what helps your partner de-stress and vice versa is essential to surviving everything that’s thrown at you, while maintaining a healthy, happy relationship.
