Relationship Hygiene for personal health
tips from a Bethesda Chiropractic Office

The viral crisis and the ensuing economic and lifestyle fallout have drastically changed our way of life. Various states have imposed stay-at-home orders, shut down businesses, and even criminalized certain activities. Follow these relationship tips from our Bethesda chiropractic office to stay one step ahead of potential problems.

at-home relationships

I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to stay open so far during this time. I’ve had better conversations with patients as well, there is a sense that we are all in this together, which is a very powerful feeling. Some of our talks have been about the virus-that-shall-not-be-named, others have been about new hobbies to pass the time, and also about the changes in our at-home relationships. Alarming statistics of domestic violence, divorce, and other disruptions have emerged during this time. While this is largely due to more “contact hours” or time spent together (therefore more chance for altercations), it is alarming nonetheless.

What is Relationship hygiene

I felt it would be prudent to offer some information to help turn this time into a relationship-building opportunity, to strengthen and solidify relationships with spouses, partners, family, kids, roomies, etc. Or at least keep the peace during this hard time. Let’s think of it as Relationship Hygiene. It is an everyday practice, not a destination. Having positive relationships is an underappreciated aspect of social and mental health. While no relationship is perfect, and none are easy all of the time, our positive relationships are the things we should be able to look to in times of stress, sadness, anxiety, sickness, and upheaval.

How To improve your Relationship hygiene

• Commit to the work involved in striving for a healthy relationship, even after acknowledging problems will arise.
• Be respectful, even when you are not feeling respected.
• Take care of yourself. You can not pour from an empty cup.
• Make regular emotional deposits. Validate, encourage and appreciate your loved ones verbally.
• Connect every day with eye contact, attention, affection, and body language.
• Accept others as is, overlook another person's shortcomings. We are all works in progress.
• Maintain healthy boundaries. Protect your relationships from invaders such as jobs, intrusive family, cell phones, computers, or other distractions that can prohibit quality interaction.
• Plan for intimate encounters. Don’t just wait for things to happen. Realize that intimate encounters are not just physical, they are also emotional. Set time aside for something meaningful, planning and effort is vital.
• Conserve energy. You have a limited amount of emotional energy. Be wise in how you expend it.
• Live your truth. Have a mission statement for the person you want to be and the things you want in life. Carry it with you always.

Be healthy, be safe, be kind, lift each other up

- Dr. Davis