Lessons On Wellness

Strive to provide each other with spiritual nourishment and growth. This does not necessarily mean that the couple must share the same outlook. They must be willing to support each other’s beliefs and respect each other's rights to pursue their own spiritual path. Additionally, it means that the couple create a safe and encouraging atmosphere where they can openly discuss their faith and any issues that may arise because of it. Just because your perspectives may differ doesn’t mean you can’t have a strong connection. Try to express your opinion in a way that doesn’t attack or belittle the other person's belief system. Let your partner grow spiritually. A couple can create a spiritual atmosphere in the house for children by setting an example of peacefulness, mindfulness and gratitude. Taking your time while lighting candles for Shabbat will create a spiritual environment the kids will feel. Explaining self reflection and having encouraging conversations about spirituality creates awareness of gratitude and can change the atmosphere in the household. As a parent, it is important to lead your children spiritually. Even if you don’t consider yourself “religious” it is important to provide ethical guidance and moral instruction as part of a child's education. Leading by example parents can provide children with a precedent of spiritual living that will set them on the right path. One way to lead spiritually is to practice what you preach. Practice Torah Values and beliefs that you hope to instill in your children. Upholding the ideals of honesty, kindness and respect show your children that you are living according to your beliefs. Encouraging children's curiosity about spiritual matters is important guidance for the rest of their lives.

Emotionally

Maintaining emotional wellbeing in a relationship can feel overwhelming. While difficult to do, one must not take total responsibility for the other person's moods. On the one hand, we must be sensitive to our partner's triggers and feelings while on the other, not bear responsibility for their temper which is ultimately their choice. When we commit to marriage, we commit to the growth of ourselves and our partners. It is imperative to show sensitivity and to have responsible, open communication. Showing respect for each other's opinions, beliefs and feelings without control or manipulation is crucial. It is important to maintain your own identity outside of the relationship. Make sure you nurture your separate interests, careers and activities. Spend quality time together. Take the time to really be with each other and not just in the same space. Talk, laugh, be silly and really engage with one another. Men can achieve emotional wellness in a marriage by communicating openly and honestly with their partner.This needs to be learned as it is not a natural state for a man. Expressing emotions in a healthy way while listening and validating their partners feelings and needs creates emotional intimacy. Juggling the delicate balance between work, play, family and being a husband is quite an undertaking. Women can show emotional wellness in marriage by expressing their feelings openly and not avoiding difficult conversations with silence. Rewarding themselves often with self care activities will go a long way in recognizing their own self-worth. Celebrating their partners accomplishments and making physical connection a priority will stabilize and enhance the emotional connection.

Mentally

Mentally Maintaining mental health is vital for a successful relationship. Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar etc. can put a strain on any relationship. If these conditions are not addressed, couples may have difficulty communicating and resolving conflict. Unresolved conflict leads to feelings of resentment, alienation, and unhappiness. Both partners must work together and separately to manage their own mental health. One must be mindful of each individual's mental health, particularly in challenging times like after childbirth, following the loss of a loved one or even during financial stress. It is also important to practice self-care. Taking steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle like engaging in regular physical activity, having good nutrition and sufficient rest go a long way in maintaining a balanced mind. Some tips for maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Meal Prepping At the beginning of each week, cook and prepare daily portions for lunches and dinners. This will help you save time, save money and best manage portion size. 3x Weekly Physical Activity Regular physical activity has been proven to reduce stress, tension and mental fatigue. It can boost energy levels and will leave you feeling less angry and frustrated. Getting Good Sleep The mental benefits of sleep are thought to include the capacity to improve creativity for problem solving, lower the likelihood of depression and other mental disorders, and even increase life expectancy.

Physically

Make exercise a priority. Schedule time to work out together, or find ways to stay active like taking walks or joining a local gym or recreational sports activity. Eat healthy meals and snacks. Try to make it a point to sit down and enjoy meals together. Making healthy choices when it comes to food has the biggest impact on your physical health. Make wellness a priority. Incorporate healthy activities into the routine of your relationship such as yoga, meditation or massage. Utilize social support. Spend time with friends, family, or other couples who can provide support and help you stay connected to each other. The physical health of one partner can have a significant impact psychologically and physically on everyone. If one person is suffering from a chronic condition, it can lead to additional stress and worry for the other. It’s especially important that the condition is managed properly. This added stress can lead to symptoms of depression, fatigue and irritability for both parties. To address the issues it is important that the sick partner takes steps to look after their physical health and prioritize themselves. This may include exercise, healthy eating, maintaining an active social life or working with a professional to better manage the condition. It is also important for the well person to take care of themselves. This may include seeking professional help if needed, and being supportive of the partner suffering from the actual health issue.

*Intimacy encompasses all aspects of wellness; spiritual, emotional, mental and especially physical. Take time to physically relax your own body in a bath, shower or have a massage. This helps to calm down the nervous system and create awareness of your bodily sensations. Use this time to fantasize about a future, pleasurable, physical experience you and your partner will have . Slow your mind down and use your memory to access a last encounter. Just being in this pleasant space will release dopamine. Dopamine plays an important role in executive function, motor control, motivation and arousal.