These 5 tips can help you to maintain a supportive environment when dealing with stressful situations and help strengthen your relationship when faced with adversity.
- Make sure you communicate. Be open and honest, don't just say what you think the other person wants to hear. You both need to be able to express your feelings, concerns and needs without the fear of being judged. Actively listen and take on board each other's perspectives and validate emotions. You may not agree with them but it will help you build a better understanding and empathy with each other.
- Agree clear boundaries around work, family and personal time that you both stick to, ensuring both your needs are respected. Saying no to external demands can be a powerful way preserving your relationship by demonstrating that it is a priority.
- Don't forget to practice self-care too. It's important that you both make time for activities that calm and relax you when going through a stressful time. It could be exercising, doing a hobby or spending time with supportive friends. A bit of "me time" can help you then be there more fully for your partner. Try to find some balance in looking after yourself whilst also being there for your partner and everything else you have going on in your life!
- Lean on each other for support. Be ready to listen, give a comforting hug or a helping hand when you partner needs it. Remember, you are in this together and it will help build the bond between you and your resilience as a couple if you can lean on each other when needed.
- Take time to notice the positives, big or small, amidst the challenges you are going through and find joy in the small moments of connection and love. Do something nice for one another when they are having a particularly tough day or as a thank you for them supporting you through a tough day.
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but by following the tips above you have a better chance of coping together and emerging stronger, more connected and more resilient than ever before. Sometimes, it may not be enough to be there for each other and you may find one or both of you need professional support too. That's fine but don't forget to keep practicing the tips above too so that you don't become distanced from each other.