Mental health has become more widely talked about than ever in recent years. Some of the stigmas surrounding it are (thankfully) falling away. People are more willing to come forward and seek out help if they need it.
Because of that, it’s not uncommon for individuals to want to discover ways to benefit their mental well-being. Self-care has become more popular. Things like meditation and mindfulness are practiced by millions.
But, did you know improving your relationships can benefit your mental health, too?
Everyone wants strong, healthy relationships in their life – both romantic and non-romantic. But, devoting extra time to these relationships and working on improving them can do more for your mental well-being than you might realize.
What’s the Connection?
There are many mental health benefits to strong relationships, making the connection easy to see. Some of the things you’ll experience when you’re surrounded by healthy relationships include:
- Less stress
- Healthier behaviors
- A greater sense of purpose
- Better healing
It’s also important to have support systems in your life. Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can make you feel isolated and alone. When you feel like you have no one to talk to or lean on, your symptoms can become worse.
The best people in your life will be there as listening ears, offering their advice when it’s wanted and their encouragement when it’s needed. When you trust someone enough, they could also be the person that convinces you to seek out professional treatment.
Loneliness has been proven to harm your mental health. It can increase your risk of depression and may even be harmful to your physical health. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us just how important strong connections are, and how damaging loneliness can be.
So, it should come as no surprise that having great relationships in your life – platonic and/or romantic – can negate the effects of loneliness, boost your mood, and ensure you that no matter what you’re going through you don’t have to do it alone.
How to Improve Your Relationships – Romantic and Platonic
So, now that you know the mental health benefits, how do you go about improving your relationships?
When it comes to platonic relationships, your goal should always be to strengthen your bond with the people you care about. Whether it’s friends or family members, you can improve these relationships by making time for them.
We all lead busy lives. But, spending time with your family members and friends is one of the best things you can do. Even if it requires “penciling them in” your schedule, make it a priority. It’s amazing what a little extra time with someone can do. It’s even more amazing when you use that time to listen and actively communicate. Communication isn’t just a cornerstone of romantic relationships – it’s a crucial key to any strong human connection.
Your romantic relationships require time and attention, too. That might include scheduling a romantic date night in with the person you love or simply committing to listening to them vent after they’ve had a long day. Do what you can to deepen your emotional connection and build intimacy. Some tips that can help include:
- Working on your communication skills
- Creating routines and rituals
- Staying active together
- Practicing gratitude
In any relationship, listening and showing real, authentic care is crucial. Keep in mind, there’s a difference between hearing what someone has to say and truly listening and responding. When you learn how to do that effectively, you’ll develop more secure relationships all through your life. As a result, you can enjoy the mental health benefits that go along with that security and support.
