This blog post is part one of a two-part series on stress and your relationship. In this first blog, we will talk about how to cope with stress that is caused outside of your relationship.
It’s pretty easy to get caught up in the stress of life, whether it comes from your job, college courses, family drama, or relationships. It is pretty obvious that stress affects how we are with our partner, our friends, and our co-workers. What isn’t as obvious is how to deal with it.
Is your stress affecting how you are with your partner?
Take this for example–at work, you are taking on a new client, and the client is not very easy to work with. They email you constantly, and they want your work done for them ASAP. When you go home, you get mad and yell at your partner because he/she accidentally forgot to load the dishwasher. The stress from work is being brought home, and your partner is on the receiving end of your stress and anger.
If you can identify that your stress is coming from outside of your relationship, keep these things in mind:
Try to figure out how to cope: It is possible that you can help alleviate the stress on your own. Try some deep breathing exercises. Take some time and do something for you (go to the park, the gym, the mall, or the ice cream parlor by yourself). Sometimes, all it takes is to separate yourself from the stressful situation, if only for a few minutes. In those minutes, you can calm yourself and go back with a clear mind and ready to handle the situation.
Talk about it: Don’t be afraid to talk about your stress. Whether it is with a trusted friend, your partner, or a therapist, talk about what is happening. Get it off your chest, and ask for help with how to deal with the problems that are giving you stress. Keep in mind that you can also write about it. Journaling is a great way to see how far you have come when dealing with stress.
Stay connected: Try to strengthen your relationship by turning to each other. People say to leave your problems at work, but sometimes, that isn’t the best advice. Your partner is hopefully part of your life because you value their opinion. If you feel comfortable explaining your stressful situation to your partner, it is possible that he/she can help you deal with it.
Make stress relief part of your day: In order to show up fully in your relationships, take responsibility over your reaction to stress. If work stress is part of your day, try to get away from your desk for five minutes or eat your lunch outside, away from your work environment.
Any questions about today’s post? Want to share how you deal with stress? Please feel free to get in touch by phone at 402-881-8125, by email at reka@omaha-counseling.com, or via Twitter or Facebook.
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