Relational Wellness: The Foundation of a Healthy Life
“Relational wellness is essential for our overall well-being. When we have strong, healthy relationships, we are more likely to be happy, healthy, and resilient. We are also more likely to achieve our goals and live fulfilling lives.”
Relational wellness is the ability to build and maintain positive, healthy relationships with others. It includes having a sense of belonging, feeling supported and valued, and being able to communicate effectively with others. It is an important aspect of overall well-being. When you have strong, healthy relationships, you are more likely to feel happy, supported, and connected. You are also less likely to experience stress, anxiety, and depression.
When we have strong, healthy relationships, we are more likely to experience:
Increased happiness and satisfaction
Improved physical and mental health
Greater resilience in the face of stress
Stronger social support networks
More successful relationships
There are many factors that contribute to relational wellness, including:
Positive self-regard: Having a positive sense of self-worth and self-confidence can help you feel more comfortable and confident in your relationships with others.
Communication skills: Being able to communicate effectively with others is essential for building and maintaining healthy relationships. This includes being able to express your thoughts and feelings in a clear and respectful way, and being able to listen to and understand the perspectives of others.
Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It is important for building and maintaining healthy relationships because it allows you to connect with others on a deeper level and to see things from their perspective.
Trust: Trust is essential for any healthy relationship. It involves believing that the other person is honest, reliable, and has your best interests at heart.
Acceptance: Acceptance is the ability to accept others for who they are, without trying to change them. It is important for building and maintaining healthy relationships because it allows you to appreciate the unique qualities of each person.
Dr. Gottman's research also shows that there are specific skills and behaviors that can help us to improve our relational wellness. These include:
Communicating effectively
Solving conflict constructively
Showing empathy and understanding
Building trust
Appreciating each other
If you are struggling with your relational wellness, there are many things you can do to improve it. You can:
Seek professional help: If you are struggling with a specific relationship issue, such as conflict with a partner or family member, talking to a therapist, counselor, or another professional who focuses on this area can help you develop healthier communication and conflict resolution skills.
Spend time with positive people: Surround yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself and who support your goals.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can help you to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, and to respond to them in a more mindful and intentional way.
Set boundaries: It is important to set boundaries in your relationships. This means being clear about what you are willing and not willing to do, and being assertive in communicating your needs.
Be forgiving: Everyone makes mistakes. It is important to be able to forgive others, and to forgive yourself, in order to move on and build healthy relationships.
Relational wellness is an important aspect of overall well-being. By taking steps to improve your relational wellness, you can improve your overall quality of life. If you’d like help, whether through individual sessions or as a couple, click here to request a session.
I am a PhD in Clinical Sexology candidate at Modern Sex Therapy Institutes and have a Master of Science in Educational Psychology. I work with individuals, couples, non-monogamous relationships, and groups in topics related to sexuality, emotional regulation, communication dynamics, and changing behaviors.
