How to Repair Damaged Relationships
Dr. Rose Bricker
Political stress has damaged some of our relationships! Anger and hurt are the reasons people have disconnected with family members, friends, and neighbors. Are you experiencing challenges within your relationships? Do you want to start to rebuild the relationships that you’ve lost? Or maybe, just make sense of the loss. For some, it may be too soon, but if and when you want to repair the relationship, here are some tips.
Be grateful. Make a list of the qualities that you liked about them at the beginning of the friendship. There are reasons you became good friends with them. Write them down.
Take responsibility for your behaviors. If you need to make amends about something you did or said, do that. We all say inappropriate things in the heat of the moment, “I’m sorry” can start the healing process.
Avoid accusations and/or attacks. “You” statements put people on the defensive. “I” statements simply convey your feelings and open the dialogue.
Don’t generalize. Avoid words like “never” or “always.” Those words only heighten tensions.
Accept repair attempts. Be open to others taking responsibility for their behaviors. Acknowledge their efforts and express appreciation. This is a way to gradually build the trust back.
Avoid shutting down. When one person becomes silent and stops responding to the other person, that’s when the frustration and anger begins and continues. This is a good time to take a “time out” and do some “self-care” techniques for yourself.
In repairing relationships, it can be very helpful to increase your knowledge about the impact of body language, tone/ volume of your voice, and appropriate ways to express your feelings. By learning and using these assertive communication skills you can help repair and improve the quality of your relationships.
If you would like more information on how to rebuild and/or create healthy relationships with family members, friends, and partners, please call the Blue Lemon Therapy office for a 30-minute complimentary meet and greet appointment at 520-820-4079. Our website is: bluelemontherapy.com. Also in this office is Michaela Conley, LAMFT. She is a Marriage and Family Therapist. Her number is 520-344-3244.
We are located at Blue Lemon Therapy, 2252 W Magee Rd., Tucson, AZ 85742. The office building is nestled between Oro Valley and Casa Adobes.
Hectic Holidays, Chronic Fatigue, and Massage
Heidi Overman
The holidays are in full swing! The mere thought of the holiday schedule is enough to induce stress.
The last month of the year is a whirlwind with activity. It serves as a period for contemplation of the year gone by, managing challenging conversations, celebrating positive news and achievements, and possibly grieving over losses. All these experiences are condensed into only a brief period of 31 days.
It’s natural to question the necessity of self-care activities like getting a massage. However, taking the time for such treatments can be a crucial aspect of maintaining overall well-being. This stress can build up, and by the end of the month, you may find yourself tense and unable to take pleasure in anything.
Common Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue
Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome include prolonged and unexplained feelings of tiredness, muscle and joint pain, headaches, sore throat, insomnia, painful lymph nodes, forgetfulness, and impaired mental functions.
Taking 1 hour or 90 minutes out of your day can be a game changer. It is imperative that you make time for you.
Just a few of the benefits of massage, which pertain to fatigue:
Decrease fatigue
Increase relaxation
Lower blood pressure
Decrease stress and anxiety
Increase mental clarity
Improve quality of sleep
Increase energy
Increase feeling of well-being
Why is it important to help your body relax during times like this? We frequently overlook fatigue, insomnia, forgetfulness, and our general sense of well-being. We’re so intent on just “making it through” that we overlook the fact that we can’t look after others if we don’t look after ourselves.
Look at your schedule to carve out an hour to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit. Consider booking a massage or an acupuncture session! Both can be incredibly soothing and contribute positively to your attitude, happiness, and sense of joy, enhancing your overall well-being.
Breathe and relax: During moments of fatigue, concentrate on your breathing. Deep and mindful breaths can assist in keeping you centered and present.
Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness, understanding that this time of year can be difficult.
Eat right: Eat a balanced diet, drink more water, and cut down on caffeine. Consuming too much sugar can disrupt your sleep and lower your energy, leading to increased consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
The holiday season is a period for everyone to come together with loved ones. Enhancing your quality of life and emotional health can be as simple as receiving a rejuvenating massage or a therapeutic acupuncture treatment.
Have a happy and stress-free holiday season, and please take care of yourself.
If you are interested in a therapeutic massage, wellness retreats, or acupuncture, please call me for an appointment at 520-639-6987. My website is emptycupwellness.com and I’m located at 10132 N Oracle Rd., Ste 160, Tucson, AZ 85704, in the business park just behind the Fairfield Inn.