The most common relationship stresses
There are many types of relationship stress, but some of the most common include financial stress, communication stress, and trust stress. Financial stress can occur when one partner is not working or contributing equally to the household finances. Communication stress can arise from a lack of communication or miscommunication. Trust stress can develop when one partner repeatedly breaks the trust of the other.
When these types of stresses arise in a relationship, it is essential to deal with them in a healthy way. Ignoring the problem will not make it disappear and will only worsen it. One healthy way to deal with relationship stresses is to communicate openly and honestly with your partner about what is causing the stress and how you feel.
Another helpful tip is to find humour in the situation, which can help diffuse some of the tension. Finally, remember that relationships take work, and sometimes we need to give our partner extra grace when they are going through a tough time.
How communication in a relationship can cause stress or connection
In any relationship, communication is key to maintaining a healthy connection. However, in some cases, communication causes stress instead of promoting harmony. If you and your partner are constantly arguing or you find yourselves having the same arguments repeatedly without ever resolving them, this can lead to increased stress levels. Additionally, if you or your partner tend to withhold communication or avoid specific topics altogether, this can also lead to tension and stress in the relationship.
Healthy communication should be open, honest, and respectful. It should promote understanding and connection between partners. If you feel like communication is causing more stress than promoting connection, it may be time to seek professional help to address the issue.
How stress impacts relationships
Stress can have a big impact on relationships. It can make communication more difficult, increase conflict, and lead to other problems.
Here are some ways that stress can impact relationships:
- Stress can make communication more difficult. When stressed, we may need to be more patient and understanding with our partner. This can lead to arguments and hurt feelings.
- Stress can increase conflict. When we’re stressed, we may be more likely to lash out at our partner or pick fights over small things.
- Stress can lead to other problems. Stress makes it hard to focus on anything else, which can strain the relationship. It can also lead to anxiety and depression, further adding to the problem.
Solutions for dealing with stress in a relationship
If you’re in a relationship and feeling stressed, there are some things you can do to ease the tension. First, try communicating with your partner about what’s causing your stress.
Talking through the problem can help you understand each other’s perspectives and find a solution. If you’re still feeling stressed after talking it out, consider trying relaxation techniques together, like yoga or meditation. You could also take turns giving each other massages.
Sometimes, taking a break from the relationship for a little while can be helpful. Taking time apart to de-stress will make it easier to come back refreshed and ready to work on the relationship.
The science behind stress in relationships
It’s no secret that relationships can be stressful. From the early stages of dating and falling in love to dealing with the day-to-day ups and downs of being in a committed partnership, there are plenty of opportunities for stress to creep in.
But what is it about relationships that can make them so stressful? And why do some people seem to handle relationship stress better than others?
There is quite a bit of science behind stress in relationships. Here’s a look at some of the most important findings:
- Relationship stress is linked to poorer physical health.
One of the most well-established effects of stress is its impact on our physical health. And according to research, relationship stress can take a significant toll on our bodies.
In one study, women experiencing high levels of relationship conflict were more likely to report poor physical health, including more frequent headaches and colds/flu (1). Other research has found that relationship stress is linked to an increased risk for heart disease (2).
So if you’re dealing with a lot of relationship stress, it’s essential to take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Eat well, exercise regularly, learn to breathe and rest the nervous system with plenty of rest. These things will help your body withstand the effects of stress and stay healthy overall.
- It can lead to psychological distress.
Relationship stress doesn’t just affect our physical health; it can also take a toll on our mental health as well. When we’re dealing with a lot of stress in our relationships, it can be challenging to cope with the constant worry and anxiety that come along with it.
Research has found that relationship stress is linked to an increased risk for depression, anxiety, and other psychological disorders (3). So if you’re struggling to manage your stress levels in your relationship, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from a therapist or counsellor.
- Stress in relationships can be contagious.
But it’s not just the person directly involved in the relationship which is affected by its stress levels. Research shows that the stress experienced by one partner can actually spread to the other partner as well (4). This means that you may still feel its effects even if you’re not directly involved in a conflict or argument.
This is why it’s so important for couples to learn healthy ways of communicating and resolving conflicts. Suppose both partners can stay calm and maintain good communication skills. In that case, it will go a long way towards reducing overall relationship stress levels and taking a toll on our physical health, mental health, and even our relationships.
So if you’re struggling to keep stress levels in check in your relationship, remember that there’s science behind it—and there are steps you can take to improve things.
Whether it’s learning better communication skills, focusing on self-care, or reaching out for help from a therapist or counsellor, you can use plenty of strategies to reduce stress and keep your relationship healthy.
If you know that you need support navigating relationship stress and resetting to calm I have several ways I can help.
If you are interested in learning more about my online courses and coaching check out my Transform 8-week course for men and women or my 6 month Empower Mastermind for women. For one-on-one coaching, check out my Flourish 12-week program.
References
- C. J. Merluzzi, J. Baucom, S. Gordon, and D. Fishman (1995). The Effects of Marital Conflict on Physical Health Complaints: A Longitudinal Analysis. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 57(2), 373–383.
- Nesvold, E., & Häggström-Nordin, L. (2011). Stressful Life Events in Early Adulthood and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease: A Prospective Study of Swedish Women and Men. Psychosomatic Medicine, 73(3), 262–268. doi:10.1097/PSY.0b013e31821b8bf2
- Bruce ML, Bruce SA (2009) The Role of Stress in Mental Disorders: An Overview for Clinicians and Researchers Alike Psychiatry 76:5–17 doi: 10.1521/psyc2009
- Contagious Effects of Stress in Close Relationships: Physiological Reactivity to Interpersonal Conflict Annals of Behavioral Medicine Volume 36, Issue 1, June 2008, Pages 11–20
