Growing your relationship after the holidays

5-Jan-2018

With the end of the holiday season, many couples find that their relationship has become strained. The stress of family, work, finances, and the New Year may expose issues in your partner or relationship, sometimes so much that there is a breakdown in the relationship. While this is perfectly normal, it is still often a difficult time. Trying some new strategies after the New Year can encourage your relationship to grow:

Acknowledge the Problems

No issue can be fixed if it is never addressed, and you and your partner may have different ideas about what is problematic in your relationship. Do you have separate ideas about finances, or family? Focus on how these issues make you feel and communicate this to your partner.

Spend quality time together

Often in the bustle of everyday life, it can be difficult to spend meaningful time with your partner. Make extra effort to connect with each other at a time that works with both of your schedules. This can be a good opportunity to focus on communication: ask each other how you are doing, what joys and stressors you are experiencing, and what you can do to support each other.

Focus on your health

While it’s important to spend time with your partner, it’s also necessary to take care of yourself. The darkness of the winter months and end of the holidays can make us feel quite dreary and negatively impact our overall wellness. Whether it is a bit of extra sleep in the morning, spending more time at the gym, or switching up your diet to include some healthy additions, a positive lifestyle can really help improve your wellbeing. Also, healthier you will be better equipped to deal with any post-holiday stress that might be affecting your relationship.

Try something new

The New Year can cause us to feel tired of our normal routine, and a fresh activity can bring back some much needed vitality. Perhaps try an art class, or start a book you’ve been meaning to get to. Something to look forward to can help reduce the dullness that many people experience post-holidays.

Seek help if you or your partner needs it

There is nothing wrong with professional counselling to guide and support your relationship, and sometimes an outside voice can offer some much needed perspective.

Marriage Care offers relationship counselling at over 50 centres across England and Wales. To learn more or to book an appointment, you can go here or call 0800 389 3801. Alternatively, you can try finding help through one of these useful links.

By Noelle Gasper
Photo by Lotte Meijer on Unsplash