Building Resilient Relationships
Published by: LifeWorks,
Traditionally, Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love. It’s a popular day for couples and family members to spend time together, exchange valentine cards, chocolate, candy, flowers or any symbolic gesture of love.
It’s also the perfect time of year to take the time to build meaningful connections. Creating strong ties—to family, friends, co-workers, and community groups—can help you find the social and emotional support you need to live a well-rounded life.
Make time for your closest relationships. Try to have dinner together as a family as much as possible. Ensure you carve out time to be with friends and follow-through with plans. Connect with co-workers—for coffee, lunch, or a restorative walk. Spend extra time with your pet if you have one.
Stay connected. Keep in touch with family, friends, and co-workers. If old ways of staying in touch aren’t working, make changes that will help you stay connected. Send a weekly voice clip or a quick email to keep them updated on your life. Alternatively, share a playlist on Spotify you think they’d enjoy.
Spend time with like-minded people. Connecting with others who have similar mindsets can help form an important bond. Brainstorm ideas on ways to manage problems and come up with new exciting ways to spend your time together. Exchange podcast or book suggestions or plan a short road trip.
Nurture a positive view of yourself. Successful relationships start with having a positive mindset. Do your best to have an open outlook on life and keep a positive attitude. You might start a gratitude journal or perform a small act of kindness every day, like treating a co-worker to a morning coffee or running an errand for a loved one.