Relationships can be difficult to keep up with when you are starting your recovery journey. You will be spending so much more time working on yourself, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore your relationships. In fact, you should be building better relationships in your recovery. They should be strengthened and aid in your journey to recovery. Read on to learn more about how you can improve your relationships.
Relationships of All Kinds
When we talk about relationships here, we don’t just mean romantic ones. Your relationships with your parents, siblings, extended family members, children, friends, and colleagues are just as important as your relationship with your romantic partner. These interactions with others can all be strengthened in your recovery. It’s important to note, as well, that all of these relationships are crucial to our health and well-being. If relationships aren’t going well, we feel it deep in the pit of our stomachs. If things are going well, we have an extra spring in our step. It’s important to focus on the relationships you have and focus on controlling the controllable: yourself. Remember that you cannot control or change the other person in the relationships, so don’t try to. Focus on yourself and how you can be better. The rest will fall into place.
Improving Your Relationships
Improving your relationships with others builds a stronger bond and promotes wellness in both parties. This can be done by making sure you are doing your best in a few different areas. Each area is listed below with ways you can improve your relationship by focusing on the specific area:
- Listen Active listening is a powerful tool you can use to improve your relationships. Active listening is not nodding along as you craft your response in your head. Instead, active listening means that you are fully present, fully focused on the other person and what they are saying, all while being engaged with them. You can be engaged by giving good eye contact, having open body language, and being aware of the conversation and when it is good to respond or stay quiet.
- Balance Balance in a relationship means that you do things for each other equally. Oftentimes, a relationship is one-sided. You may find yourself doing so much for the other person but you may not be getting that same effort in return. It’s important to make sure there is balance in the relationship, including the interactions you have with the other person. Occasionally there are going to be negative interactions, but make sure there is a balance or even more positive interactions to ensure it is a healthy relationship.
- Time Quality time is essential if you want to keep any relationship thriving. Quality time doesn’t have to be a big to-do. It can be a small, but meaningful interaction that is distraction-free. This could be catching up over a cup of coffee. Keep it simple. Those are often the most meaningful interactions.
- Explain & Understand Having good communication between you and the other person is key. You will get into disagreements occasionally, so it’s important to explain yourself and let the other person explain their side, too. Make sure this explaining is done in a respectful manner. Understanding the other person’s point of view is also a necessity when it comes to healthy relationships. Disagreements don’t always have to turn into arguments. Explain and understand your way to joy.
Arbor Behavioral Healthcare is here to help you throughout your recovery. This includes your family as well. We offer individual and family therapy for those who need it. Call us today at 844-413-2690. We can’t wait to hear from you!