How it helps:
* Stress: in difficult times, we tend to seek help from loved ones: spouses, friends, parents. According to research, there is a link between how people rate their level of happiness and how well they rate their relationships with others. Than higher assessment relations-the higher level of happiness.
* For health: loneliness can contribute to poor health, including high blood pressure.
As it is expressed:
* Specific help: for example, a friend can help pick up a child from kindergarten.
* Emotional support: for example, a friend might say to you, "I'm terribly sorry you're having such a hard time."
* Advice when needed: for example, where to go on vacation with your family.
* Self-acceptance: for example, when you realize that you are not the only one who does not like Comedy movies.
Do I have enough people in my life?
Ask yourself if you have a few loved ones:
• with whom it is comfortable to be together;
• to whom you can say anything;
• that can help in difficult times;
* who take your concerns and concerns seriously;
* with whom you feel needed and valuable.
How to start communicating with people?
If you feel that there is a lack of communication in your life now, you can take some measures to correct the situation. For example, try the following:
* Sign up for courses that have long interested you. At the very least it is guaranteed that your fellow students will have close interests that you will be able to discuss.
* Join a group, such as a kennel club or a mommy club.
* Volunteer somewhere. First, you will definitely get to know a lot of new people, and second, you will help other people, which corresponds to the Method Number 4: Help people.
* Meet people, go to parties, organize a party at home. Especially if you find yourself in a new situation (moving, entering the University, a new job, etc.).
* Attend personal development groups or psychotherapeutic groups. You will be able to communicate with people with a similar problem and get support and information from them, a vivid "live" example of those who cope with the problem, a reminder that you are not alone.
If you are hampered by your excessive shyness or anxiety — you can help work with a psychologist.
How to strengthen relationships?
If you want to get more out of your relationship, consider the following recommendations:
* Make a list of people you would like to meet more often. And make reminders in your calendar or on your phone that you need to meet with any of them on the list.
* Devote a few hours a week or a month only to quality communication with your loved ones — no phones, iPads, TVs and other stuff at this time.
* Learn to be a good listener. This means that you are trying to hear and understand the thoughts and feelings of the other, and do not wait for a pause to say, " but I have…»
* If you need help or you want something-do not be silent. Even the people closest to you can't read what you're thinking in your head.
* Talk and show how you respect, appreciate, and love your family and friends. You can think about them very warmly — but see previous point-they not are at to read you have in anybody. Better say it can work wonders.
* Stop relationships that lower your self-esteem, in which you do not feel safe, that lead to unhealthy lifestyles, such as excessive alcohol or drug use.
If you have a complicated relationship, it's worth working on. As you know, difficult relationships can torment much more than a great relationship-to give happiness.
* Take responsibility for your part. Relationships are always two sides.
* Try to stay constructive, offer solutions.
* Try to understand the feelings and interests of the other.
* Remember that this person is valuable to you.
If conflict is inevitable, try to wage a " just war»:
* Avoid over-generalizations like " You always.../you never…»
* Learn to use the I-message and talk about your feelings.
Goodbye when you can. Forgiveness helps reduce tension, anxiety, and sadness. But it's not easy. Try to think about this:
• What other reasons could there be for this person's behavior? Maybe he's stressed at work.
* Remember what is good for you about this person. The good things that you did together, or how you can be helped?
* Ask him for forgiveness if it helps.
* Remember that forgiveness does not mean that you now consider his behavior acceptable. You forgive a person who can make mistakes and do bad things.