HRI Blog

Self-care is essential to maintaining healthy relationships. To be the best versions of ourselves for our friends, family members, children, and partners, we need to make self-care a priority. Self-care can help reduce stress, raise energy levels, and increase our capacity for compassionate and empathetic connection in our relationships. When we feel more relaxed and balanced, we can be the best versions of ourselves for our loved ones.

This year, commit to spending more technology-free time with your loved ones. When you set boundaries around technology, there are more opportunities for meaningful interactions, which can enhance relationship quality and satisfaction. Make an agreement with your partner, friends, family members, or children to put away the technology and plan time together engaging in fun activities that can spark meaningful connections and conversations. Here are some technology free activities you can try:

• A family picnic in the park
• A trip to the museum
• Playing outside
• Family game night
• Baking cookies or other treats
• Arts and crafts
• Cooking dinner together
• Telling stories
• Going on a tech-free date night

We encourage you to try your best to refrain from checking emails, sending a text, or checking social media notifications the next time you are playing with your kids, getting lunch with a friend, or sharing precious time with your partner.

Make a New Year’s Resolution to strive for open and honest communication in your relationships. Focus on your listening skills and work to truly understand what your partner means when you communicate with one another. This can help deepen intimacy and foster a cycle of positive communication, as your partner will be more willing to reciprocate active listening when they feel heard.

An important part of open and honest communication is using “I Statements” and avoiding hurtful language. By using “I Statements” you are speaking directly to your feelings and experiences, which can help your partner, friend, co-worker, child, or family member understand why you are upset or how something has impacted you during periods of conflict. “I Statements” also help people refrain from using hurtful language and avoid blaming one another. They are less likely to generate feelings of defensiveness from the other person, which increases the likelihood of positive communication and conflict resolution.

When communicating with a loved one, remember to respect and validate their feelings. By letting them know that their feelings are normal and appropriate, you can help them feel understood and heard, strengthening your relationship.

A wonderful way to invest in strengthening your relationships is by making time for relationship “check-ins.” By checking in with your partner about what you need from each other to ensure a happy and healthy relationship, you can enhance your communication and make relationship adjustments that lead to deeper connections and more meaningful interactions.

This year, commit to being more present in your relationships. When you are with the people you love, make sure that all of you is there. It’s normal for your mind to wander, especially with a busy schedule and a to-do list on the horizon, but by being aware of when this happens and bringing yourself back to the present moment, you can be more attentive and connected to your loved ones.

To be fully present in your relationships, you must set aside other tasks or responsibilities and focus on your connection with the other person. When you commit to spending quality time with your loved ones, make sure you do so without multitasking. By giving them your full attention and energy, you are showing them that they are valued and worthy.

Another great way to be present in your relationships is to practice active listening, maintain eye contact, and ask questions during meaningful conversations. When you are engaged and alert during conversations with the people you care about, they feel heard, validated, and appreciated.

HRI believes that healthy relationships are the foundation for happy and healthy lives, families, and communities. Healthy relationships are built on respect, trust, safety, acceptance, freedom of choice, positive communication and conflict management, and fun. They provide safety, support, and comfort and offer opportunities for growth through challenges and periods of conflict. Healthy relationships bring joy and happiness into our lives through deep, meaningful connections and are made up of moments of laughter and fun.

Healthy relationships are not always easy or perfect and require time and energy to flourish. We challenge you to prioritize your relationships by making a Healthy Relationship New Year’s Resolution! By starting the New Year with a commitment to put time, energy, and effort into improving your relationships, you can strengthen your connection with your partner, children, family members, and friends.

HRI is committed to helping individuals and families develop the knowledge and skills to foster happy, healthy, and safe relationships across a lifetime. Stay tuned throughout the rest of this week, as HRI provides Healthy Relationship Resolutions you can implement this year to strengthen and improve your relationships!