Community Blog: How To Manage Stress As A Couple

• Learn to Be Optimistic.  
Overcome pessimism by identifying the negative thoughts that feed discouragement when you're having trouble reaching a goal. Write your negative thoughts on cards—then destroy the cards or write motivational counterstatements for each one. Is Positive Thinking Sabotaging Your Love Life?

• Learn to Tolerate Distress.
When you begin to feel upset, or if you are fully engulfed by distress, stop, shut your eyes and draw in a long, deep breath. Hold it for two to three seconds. Then exhale slowly and completely, letting your shoulders and jaw drop. Feel the relaxation flow into your arms and hands. Repeat this several times.

• Learn to Be More Patient.
If you are impatient because you feel there is much to do, make a list of your obligations, activities, etc., then rank order them. Generate ways of eliminating the low priority ones so you feel less rushed. Reflect on your expectations for how quickly things need to get done and how many things you should be doing. Cut back as possible.

Having close relationships is critical to our emotional and physical health. How do you strengthen your relationships?