Chronic Stress: The Silent Relationship Killer
Stress affects the mind and body, but it also affects our relationships. If you’re feeling stressed out and overwhelmed, it may seem like nothing else matters. But chronic stress can be seriously detrimental to your relationships. If you’re looking to maintain your close relationships, read on to discover how chronic stress can affect your interpersonal relationship quality, especially in your romantic relationship with your partner – and what you can do about it!
What is stress?
Stress is caused by a stimulus that disrupts the balance of our autonomic nervous system. What this means is that chronic stress or long term stress will not only impact your physical health, but it will also take its toll on your mental and emotional well-being as well. Your heart rate and blood pressure will increase, you may experience insomnia, mood swings and an increased risk for anxiety or depression.
Chronic stress can have a negative impact on your relationship with your partner if you are not aware of it. For example, one study found that people with high levels of chronic stress were twice as likely to experience a divorce or separation within ten years than those with lower levels of chronic stress.
Signs of chronic stress in relationships
It's not uncommon for people to feel tension in their relationships when they are stressed. Your partner can feel it too and it can impact many areas in your romantic relationship.
In some cases, chronic stress can cause more severe symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. Chronic stress can also lead to strained communication and arguments between partners.
Here are 8 signs chronic stress can show up in your relationship:
● Increased irritability with little or no explanation
● Trouble sleeping
● Feelings of hopelessness or detachment
● Tension and fighting over small minor things
● Shifts from being a good listener to withdrawing from the conversation
● Shut down from your partner and avoid conversation
● Loss of interest in sex or intimacy
● Lack of interest in meeting each other's needs
How to protect your relationship from the impact of chronic stress
To protect your relationship from the impact of chronic stress, it's important to make sure that you're both taking care of yourselves. This includes making time for one another and getting enough sleep. When you're stressed, it can be difficult to do these things. That's why it's so important to start practicing good habits before the stress gets out of control.
If you notice that your partner is starting to exhibit symptoms of chronic stress, talk with them about how they are feeling and what they need to feel better.
Sometimes just talking about your feelings can help reduce the pressure. And even if you don't have a lot of free time in your schedule right now, try to carve out some time for yourself at least once a day to do things you enjoy.
5 Things to do to relieve stress:
1. Exercise more
2. Getting enough sleep
3. Set healthy boundaries on what you need to take care of yourself
4. Create time for things you enjoy
5. Increase positive social connections with friend and family
It is also important to have a plan in place if you experience chronic stress. Stress management is important for all relationship dynamics. It is also very important for maintaining a healthy relationship.
Chronic stress in any form can affect the mental and physical health of your partner and you. Being mindful about your self-care and how you interact with your partner will help create an environment where positive relationships thrive.
It’s never too late to take the first step towards strengthening your relationship. Cut the stress and get back to the best moments in your relationship. If you and your partner are struggling with chronic stress, relationship coaching can help. This type of coaching is an ideal solution for couples who are proactive, ready to make a change and invested in seeing real results quickly. Reach out today! (909) 846-9743