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Relationships: The Secret Ingredient for Better
Health
by Pat Swan, M.S.
Human beings are relational by nature. Therefore, interpersonal
relationships, past or present, personal or professional, represent a
primary source of stress in our lives. Chronic stress is a major factor
in the breakdown of our immune system, and has been found to be the
source of many emotional and physical disorders.
Numerous studies have linked stress to illnesses including heart
disease, fibromyalgia, migraines, cancer, ulcers, irritable bowel
syndrome, low back pain, and many more.
Stress management strategies often suggested include deep breathing,
relaxation exercises, physical exercise, meditation, and yoga, among
others.
But how often have you heard someone suggest that it is important to
evaluate your relationships and reduce your interpersonal stress in
order to effectively improve health?
In my practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist more than 90% of my
clients suffering from depression, anxiety or other mental illnesses
have one primary complaint – relationship problems at work or at home.
We have heard that we must quit smoking to reduce risks of cancer and
enhance health. Have we heard the results of divorce studies that
indicate that the stress related damage to a man going through divorce
is equal to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day? It appears from this
study that reducing conflict in our relationships could equal our
quitting smoking as a health strategy.
We have heard that we must exercise, eat healthy and watch our
cholesterol if we want to avoid a heart attack. But have we heard that
an element closely linked to heart disease has been defined as the
“hostility “ factor, or “cynical mistrust of others.” It appears from
this that improvement in conflict resolution skills and dealing with
interpersonal anger may be more helpful than other strategies in
maintaining good cardiovascular health.
We know that most individuals surviving cancer will try many
complementary and alternative options to lengthen their lives. But did
you know that studies have shown that women surviving breast cancer can
double their survival time if they are involved in a close, intimate
support network?
These and many other studies confirm the fact that healthier
relationships lead to better health, emotionally, physically and
spiritually. Most of us did not learn effective interpersonal skills at
home. So why do so few individuals consider relationship skills training
right from the start, before the stress becomes chronic? Probably
because we haven’t been made aware of the facts.
The good news is that anyone can improve their relationships through
learning simple skills including active or reflective listening,
conflict resolution, behavioral changes, and thought management, among
others.
If you want less stress, and more fun and fulfillment in your life,
consider exploring options for relationship skill building. Whether the
relationship is past or present, personal or professional, you can make
it better and get healthier in the process.
About the Author
Pat Swan, M.S., CMFT: Life & Relationship Coach, Speaker, Trainer,
Author of “Watch Out! Your Relationships Can Be Hazardous To Your
Health.”
www.RelationshipSkillville.com. Subscribe to my FREE ezine “The
Skillville Scoop”. Mail to
pat@patswan.com |
