When it comes to maintaining healthy relationships during prolonged periods of stress, there are several strategies that can be employed to support resilience, hope, and continuity. First and foremost, communication is key. Couples should make an effort to stay connected through regular check-ins and meaningful conversations, even if they cannot physically see each other. This could involve phone calls, video chats, or written messages. It's important to express one's feelings honestly and openly, without holding back or bottling up emotions.
Couples may want to set aside specific times for activities such as watching movies together or playing games online. These shared experiences can help foster a sense of connection and closeness, while also providing some much-needed relaxation and escape from the stresses of everyday life.
Another strategy for supporting relational resilience under stress is showing gratitude and appreciation for one another. Expressing sincere thanks for small acts of kindness or gestures of affection can go a long way in strengthening the bond between partners. This could involve sending thank you notes, leaving love notes around the house, or simply saying "thank you" more often.
Taking time to recognize and celebrate one another's accomplishments and successes can be a powerful way to build mutual respect and admiration.
Engaging in self-care practices can be crucial for supporting individual and collective resilience. This might include taking breaks from work or other responsibilities, prioritizing rest and sleep, and seeking out healthy forms of distraction like exercise or hobbies. Taking care of oneself can also mean setting boundaries and saying no to unnecessary obligations that would otherwise drain energy and attention away from the relationship. By practicing self-compassion and compassion towards others, we can create a supportive environment for our relationships to thrive even during trying times.
Maintaining strong and resilient relationships requires effort and intention on both sides.
By employing these strategies, couples can weather any storm and emerge stronger than ever before.
What strategies support relational resilience, hope, and continuity under prolonged stress?
A recent study suggests that developing a network of social support can be helpful for maintaining a positive outlook during prolonged stress (Gilbert et al. , 2017). It is important to maintain contact with family members, friends, and colleagues through phone calls, video chats, or other forms of communication, especially when physical distancing measures are necessary due to COVID-19 pandemic.