How to be Flexible and Adaptable
What’s the secret to a happy marriage? As a bride-to-be, you’ve likely thought about this question at least a few times. The pandemic has made it all too obvious that we live in a world of uncertainty, and being able to weather adversity is essential, especially for couples. Couples with the psychological flexibility to adapt to challenges not only survived but thrived during the pandemic. As you and your partner adjust to this new normal and plan your big day, consider the following tips from Marie’s Gold to ensure a long and happy marriage.
Develop Your Stress Management Skills
Good stress management skills can significantly reduce your stress levels and make it easier to cope with challenges in life and marriage. Try different stress management techniques and find what works for you!
- Pop in a pair of headphones and listen to relaxing music.
- Exercise regularly to help your body better regulate stress hormones.
- Banish bad energy from your home with cleaning and decluttering.
- Mindful Minutes notes the importance of making time for relaxing activities with your spouse.
Learn to Let Go
Being able to let go of negative thoughts and feelings will help you navigate all kinds of difficult situations and avoid unnecessary arguments with your spouse.
- Avoid unproductive arguments by stepping back instead of fighting back.
- Don’t play the blame game. Instead, learn to accept what you cannot control.
- PositivePsychology.com suggests living in the present moment. Don’t dwell on something your spouse did that made you angry yesterday!
Don’t Take the Easy Road
Living in your comfort zone will not do much to promote your mental flexibility. Work with your spouse to create an environment where you can both pursue personal growth.
- Actively voice your opinions and challenge your partner, but make sure they feel heard as well. You should both be making compromises!
- Encourage each other to overcome self-doubt and face your fears.
- Prioritize your dreams and goals, as well as that of your partner’s, including going back to school to wrap up your college education with a master’s degree. Online options make this easier – and more affordable – than ever.
- Challenge each other to drop bad habits and replace them with healthy actions.
Couples who maintain some level of psychological flexibility have a much easier time adapting to change, dealing with stressors, and handling unexpected challenges. Whether you’re trying to navigate this new normal or you want to be prepared for adversity in the future, developing a flexible mindset will help you succeed!
Interfaith Reverend Marie of Marie’s Gold is a relationship coach and wedding officiant who has the experience and passion to facilitate your special events and rituals. Connect with Marie today for more information! (208) 284-3437 or email her: Marie@MariesGold.com.
Author: Carrie Spencer From The Spencer’s Adventures – Check out her website for great articles on relationships and more.
Marie invites people to play, dance and love more actively in their relationships so they can experience more JOY, PEACE and INTIMACY. Marie is a relationship coach with over 25 years of experience in Boise, Idaho. 