How to Strengthen Your Relationship Amid Holiday Stress
Though the holiday season can be a joyous time, the demands of work, family, and friends, coupled with the expectations of the holiday season, can usher in a “season of stress” for couples, making this a very challenging time of year.
Below are a few ways couples can alleviate holiday stress and make this time of year a season that strengthens their relationship rather than pulling them apart.
Building an Emotional Bank Account
This is a great tip throughout the year, but it can be especially helpful during the holiday season—do small acts of service for each other and engage positively with one another to build an emotional bank account.
This “emotional savings” can give couples a sense of peace and security that they can draw from when they are facing hard times or anxiety.
There are several ways to make “deposits” in your emotional bank account including:
#1. Plan a Date
It's crucial that you set aside some quality time to spend alone during the holiday festivities.
If you need to, get a babysitter, put the phone down,
and just spend time together.
According to research, spending time together on purpose strengthens relationships and lowers the likelihood of divorce.
Other benefits include:
Deeper commitment
Better communication
Sexual satisfaction
#2. Serve Others
Doing acts of service together enables couples to connect in a special way, whether it's going gift shopping, wrapping and delivering gifts to a needy family, or visiting an elderly neighbor.
Service and volunteering have advantages for the person as well, such as less stress, a stronger sense of community, and enhanced general health.
#3. Create a Tradition
A "couple's tradition" creates memories you can look back on with joy and will strengthen your relationship, whether you choose to watch the same Christmas movie every year, prepare a dessert, or place a cherished ornament on the tree.
#4. Be Kind
Keep in mind that during the holidays, your partner can be experiencing emotional distress, stress, and exhaustion.
Don’t let holiday stress overtake your relationship.
Take a step back and provide the compassionate support that you would want to receive through a trying moment for yourself.
#5. Check-in With Each Other
Any good relationship needs open lines of communication, but this is especially true over the holidays. It is simple to become overwhelmed by the commotion of the time of year, and you can find yourself venting on your partner as a result.
Check-in with them ahead of time to discuss any worries or problems you might be experiencing. Do not ignore issues merely because they arise during a busy period. Spend a few minutes each day putting your partner's happiness and wellbeing first Your relationship will be stronger for it!
Learn More > How EPT™ Therapy Can Strengthen Your Relationship
Strengthen Your Relationship this Holiday Season
This holiday season is the perfect opportunity to nurture and strengthen your relationship with your partner. A good place to start is by creating moments of connection and understanding and expressing your gratitude for one another through thoughtful words or gestures.
If you are having trouble connecting with your partner due to past trauma, EPT™ therapy can help you let go so you can move forward and enjoy healthy long-lasting relationships. Schedule a consultation with our South Tampa holistic practitioner today!