How Positive Relationships Can Boost Your Mental Health

1. The Impact of Relationships on Wellbeing

Relationships have a huge impact on our overall wellbeing. Humans have an inherent need to form and maintain relationships, and the need to belong is deeply ingrained in our species. Psychologists have identified belonging as a universal human need which is essential for survival and protection.

As research suggests that belonging promotes resilience, motivation, and good physical health, it is crucial to consider the state of our relationships when boosting our wellbeing. It is also important to foster positive relationships in the workplace by encouraging team bonding and productive individual connections.

One of the most fundamental relationships we have is the relationship we have with ourselves. Often, we are offered reams of advice to improve our relationships with others, but our relationship with ourselves is not always given the consideration it deserves. When we have a negative view of ourselves, we are more likely to experience low self esteem, mental health difficulties and issues in our relationships with others.

2. What is a healthy relationship?

Whilst each connection we have with another person is unique, healthy relationships typically share some core qualities. When we have healthy relationships with others, we feel secure and safe enough to express ourselves freely without fearing judgement. In healthy relationships, communication is abundant and respectful, and each person respects the boundaries of the other. Positive workplace relationships involve many of the same characteristics but also include professionalism and leadership.

3. Ways to build a healthy relationship with yourself

A healthy relationship with yourself involves offering yourself compassion and understanding, reframing negative thoughts, and engaging with regular self care.

Challenge your biases When we have a negative relationship with ourselves, we are more prone to cognitive distortions. These are irrational thought patterns that impact our mental health. An example is mental filtering, where we focus only on negative information and ignore the positive.

• Make self care a priority

To cultivate a positive relationship with yourself, it is vital to make self care a priority. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Ensure you meet your basic needs such as getting adequate sleep, eating nutritionally dense food, and staying hydrated.

• Explore your values

Personal values influence how we act, and acting in a way that contradicts our values can leave us feeling uncomfortable. Journaling is a great way to explore what is important to you and what your personal triggers are in a safe space.

• Focus on what you can control

It is important to remember that we cannot change or control others. What we can do is focus our attention on our own actions and how we respond to our thoughts and feelings.

4. Ways to build healthy relationships with others

The positive neurological impact of healthy relationships is well established. When we build trust and create social bonds, we release oxytocin. By developing healthy workplace relationships, we can promote a positive workplace culture and increase job satisfaction.

• Get to know the other person:

Cultivating curiosity allows us to understand others and gain insight into their values. This helps the person feel seen and understood.

• Be open:

Reciprocity is vital. By being honest and authentic with others, we build stronger connections. In the workplace, these connections are vital for professional support networks.

• Assume positive intent:

This involves assuming that others have good intentions rather than jumping to negative conclusions without evidence. If someone is upset and chooses not to communicate, that is beyond your control.

5. Dealing with relationship conflicts

Learning to navigate conflict in a healthy way helps us to strengthen our bonds.

• Don't assume others know how you feel

Others can only know how we feel when we communicate with them clearly and directly. Expecting mind reading sets the other person up to fail.

• Use active listening

Active listening ensures the other person feels supported. To offer active listening, remain present, ask open ended questions, and aim to understand rather than just to respond.

• Focus on the problem, not the person

It is more constructive to reframe conflict as us versus the problem. For example, if a team member is struggling with deadlines, exploring the difficulties they face helps them feel valued rather than attacked.

• Express boundaries

Boundaries protect our space and outline our limits. Define and communicate the boundary clearly, briefly explain why it is important, and avoid overexplaining.

6. How an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) allows you to access support when you need it most. At Wisdom Wellbeing, our registered and qualified counsellors offer in the moment support via our 24/7 helpline or the Wisdom app. This allows you to connect with a professional practitioner who can help you develop healthy coping methods. As relationship issues can cause significant stress, it is vital to reach out for support to maintain your social wellbeing.

7. Summary

Relationships are an integral aspect of our wellbeing, influencing our mental, emotional, and even physical health. By prioritising our relationships with ourselves and developing our communication skills, we can move towards cultivating rewarding connections with others. Discover how Wisdom Wellbeing can support your organisation and call wisdom on 1800 868 659.