Day 244 of 365 - Relationships and Health
There is a connection to health, in our relationship to self, others and community. Dysfunctional relationships inform us that something is out of balance in our personal growth and health.
We start out with relationships with family. They shape how we learn to relate to others. Subsequent intimate relationships shape our present, and may mimic aspects of our family relationships. Sometimes we choose intimate relationships as adults in an unconscious attempt to resolve old family issues.
It helps to come to terms with our past if relationships have been dysfunctional, because it will contribute powerfully to our health and quality of life. It's important to address any trapped negative feelings, on our own, with a friend or a therapist. Some proven ways to release them are: through catharsis, such as writing a letter you don't send; through weeping and through laughter. Learning to safely express sadness, anger and fear is beneficial. Be willing to forgive yourself and others for mistakes made in the past and take responsibility for your present and future.
Considering our self-esteem is a good starting point. A lot of us may have learned in the past to tie our feelings about ourselves to something that is earned from others. However, it is not a choice between self-esteem and self-condemnation. We can criticize our choices or behaviors without criticizing the essence of our self.
Learn to practice speaking kindly to yourself, giving yourself more supportive messages as you would to someone else you care about. Accentuate the positive and focus on changeable behavior. Surround yourself as much as possible with positive, encouraging people.
There is also a direct link between happy, stable intimate relationships and better health. On the negative side, you have probably heard that couples in unhealthy relationships are more likely to become ill with conditions like heart disease. Then, there is the often referenced scenario about one spouse dying, and the other declining in health soon after.
Even if you are not in a couple relationship, other intimate relationships between family members or friends create a buffer for effects of stress on health. These are relationships where you can comfortably confide, have closeness or distance as needed without compromising the bond.
Health is difficult to maintain in isolation. That's why a sense of belonging to a group or community is so important, at any age, but particularly for seniors. Doing things with others for enjoyment, to help out or serve in some way, reduces the fear and anxiety we might feel when we are just focused on our own circumstances. Altruism has been found to increase your chances of living longer.
After you correct for traditional medical risk factors for disease, positive attitudes and connection to others has a favorable influence on our health outcomes. The quality of our relationship to self, others and community is a marker for our overall health.
We start out with relationships with family. They shape how we learn to relate to others. Subsequent intimate relationships shape our present, and may mimic aspects of our family relationships. Sometimes we choose intimate relationships as adults in an unconscious attempt to resolve old family issues.
It helps to come to terms with our past if relationships have been dysfunctional, because it will contribute powerfully to our health and quality of life. It's important to address any trapped negative feelings, on our own, with a friend or a therapist. Some proven ways to release them are: through catharsis, such as writing a letter you don't send; through weeping and through laughter. Learning to safely express sadness, anger and fear is beneficial. Be willing to forgive yourself and others for mistakes made in the past and take responsibility for your present and future.
Considering our self-esteem is a good starting point. A lot of us may have learned in the past to tie our feelings about ourselves to something that is earned from others. However, it is not a choice between self-esteem and self-condemnation. We can criticize our choices or behaviors without criticizing the essence of our self.
Learn to practice speaking kindly to yourself, giving yourself more supportive messages as you would to someone else you care about. Accentuate the positive and focus on changeable behavior. Surround yourself as much as possible with positive, encouraging people.
There is also a direct link between happy, stable intimate relationships and better health. On the negative side, you have probably heard that couples in unhealthy relationships are more likely to become ill with conditions like heart disease. Then, there is the often referenced scenario about one spouse dying, and the other declining in health soon after.
Even if you are not in a couple relationship, other intimate relationships between family members or friends create a buffer for effects of stress on health. These are relationships where you can comfortably confide, have closeness or distance as needed without compromising the bond.
Health is difficult to maintain in isolation. That's why a sense of belonging to a group or community is so important, at any age, but particularly for seniors. Doing things with others for enjoyment, to help out or serve in some way, reduces the fear and anxiety we might feel when we are just focused on our own circumstances. Altruism has been found to increase your chances of living longer.
After you correct for traditional medical risk factors for disease, positive attitudes and connection to others has a favorable influence on our health outcomes. The quality of our relationship to self, others and community is a marker for our overall health.
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