How Can Stress Affect My Relationship? 

2020 alone has been a stressful year. Add the holiday season to the mix, and you may be walking around in a state of overwhelm. In general, stress causes people to withdraw and turn inward. Likewise, high-stress often leads to less affection within a relationship. It can also affect your mood, mental, and physical health. As a result, you're more likely to be irritable and experience other negative emotions. In other words, your relationship may really suffer during the holidays. 

The good news is, there are ways to help reduce stress and enhance your relationship even amid holiday stress. 

What Can I Do to Help My Relationship Amid Holiday Stress? 

1. Schedule a weekly date night. This can be as simple as watching a movie on the couch together after the kids are in bed. Remember, the goal is to be intentional in having time for the two of you to connect. Likewise, a quality date doesn't have to cost money or require you to leave your home. 
2. Over Communicate. During this time of year, it's common to feel sad, anxious, or over-stressed. So, decide together that you'll communicate more. For example, you may find ways to check-in more frequently throughout the day. As you make each other's happiness a priority, it can enhance your relationship. 
3. Self-care. A busy schedule, lots of holiday treats and drinks, and financial stress can quickly affect your mental and physical health. However, by prioritizing self-care, you may notice a positive impact on your relationship. 
4. Show Respect During Disagreements. It's common for couples to argue more when stress levels are high. Hence, it's often said, "It's not what the argument is about; it's how you handle it that determines your success." So, you can minimize the impact of fights by agreeing to be respectful when you argue. For example, when you don't see eye to eye, you could take a five-minute break and then re-address the issue. Likewise, it may help to remember you may both be feeling like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Offering empathy instead of criticism can go a long way.



Let go of expectations. Expectations, especially this time of year, can quickly lead to disappointment. As a result, this can poorly affect the relationship. By communicating your thoughts, you can approach situations with a realistic idea of how they'll turn out. New Paragraph

Our relationship needs help.

If your relationship is struggling and the holiday season seems to be adding fuel to the fire, you may want to reach out for professional help. With the guidance of a therapist, you may be able to get to the root of the problem within your relationship. In other words, therapy could be the best gift you could give each other. 

At Thrive Counseling Atlanta, we help couples and families overcome relationship issues. We may be able to help you too. Visit our website to learn more.