Stress: The Intimacy Killer

Life is full of stress-work, kids, finances, and other daily obligations; but we need to find ways to relieve stress so it doesn’t negatively affect intimacy in our relationships. Oftentimes, stress manifests itself in the forms of unexplainable attitudes or arguments with one another, which creates a road block to intimacy. Who wants to cozy up on the couch at the end of the night with someone they just went 12 rounds against? Protecting intimacy in your relationship helps to maintain your connection with your partner and combats infidelity. Read below to find ways to handle the inevitable; stress, and get back to or maintain your FUN, intimate relationship with your partner.

Love Tip #1

Identify your Stressors

Looming deadlines at work, the dreaded phone call from your child’s teacher, and did I mention the car is broken down too? To top it off, you and your partner may not agree on how to handle it. Create a list of stressors that make you particularly irritable and cause you to act out of character at home.  Identifying your stressors is the first step to minimizing the negative effects stress can have on your relationship.

Love Tip #2

Focus on healthy ways to relieve stress

Finding healthy ways to relieve stress is key to combating the stressors in your life. Exercising, reading, deep breathing, yoga, and listening to music are just a few great ways to relieve stress in a healthy way.  The key is to find what stress relief works for you and your lifestyle.

Love Tip #3

Regularly set aside time for stress relief                                            

Setting aside time on a regular basis to relieve stress prevents it from building up and eventually exploding. You may find it helpful to use your stress relief more often as your stress level increases. Committing to your stress relievers regularly increases the effectiveness and frees you to enjoy intimacy in your relationship.