Couples’ health is a big deal as you grow in a relationship with your partner. Without a doubt, it is instructive for you as an individual to create personalized health goals. And this applies to your partner as well. However, your partner’s health goals may be separate from yours. This happens in many cases. But as couples, it is important to ensure that your health goals align, especially when it comes to lifestyle changes.
Now, such alignment, more often than not, is about providing support.
For instance, your partner may need to reduce or totally avoid sugar intake over a given period. As simple as this goal often sounds, many people find it hard to achieve without external support. Perhaps your partner is looking to make some healthy lifestyle adjustments.
Let’s share with you a few tips on how to go about it.
Show understanding
If no one else shows you understanding for what you do, your partner should. This is one of the important benefits of being in a relationship. When your partner discovers the need for a lifestyle adjustment you should make yourself available for emotional support. And, this begins by showing that you understand why they are adopting a healthier lifestyle.
You should get acquainted with all the little details associated with the desired lifestyle change. This empowers you to offer a shoulder to lean on. Best believe behavioral change comes with doubts and discouragement. Yes, old habits die hard.
As such, partners are there to lend a listening ear, encouragement, and reassurance when needed. Once your partner is aware of your attentiveness, they will be encouraged to continue with the process.
Show that patience is of the essence
Most health experts will tell you that a healthy lifestyle change is never a quick-fix thing. They are quick to reiterate that you must be patient. Well, this is easier said than done. Your partner may believe this truth and attempt to embrace this reality. Unfortunately, they may struggle with the daily actions or inactions associated with change. This could trigger impatience.
Consequently, you should play the role of getting your partner comfortable with the idea of change. You will have to let them know that behavioral transformation requires a great deal of patience. Whenever they feel discouraged or stressed about the whole process, you step in as an encourager. You must let give them reasons to continue with the process.
Show you are a team
The idea of teaching your partner patience in the process of adopting a healthy lifestyle reflects teamwork. But it does not end there.
Assuming your partner’s goal is to eat more wholesome meals. You can contribute to the decision of groceries and exploration of new recipes. The planning of meals should not be done by your partner alone. Step right in and exchange ideas. Of course, you need to do this with your partner’s ultimate goal in mind. The best of all is for you to get involved in the preparation as well. This helps both of you to take ownership and be committed to the goal, creating a positive environment for long-term success.
In short, the teamwork that is inherent in a relationship goes beyond financials. Simple things like helping out with your partner’s goal of healthy lifestyle changes are a good reflection of teamwork.
Help out in domestic matters
Every adult in a relationship shows responsibility by rendering services domestically. When your partner is trying to change a habit or adopt a healthy lifestyle, they can be burdened emotionally.
If you have never been inclined to cooking, for instance, the time is right for you to help out in the kitchen. Similarly, you might engage in house cleaning more than before, assuming it’s your partner’s normal role.
You’d be amazed by the encouragement they will get through these actions. In other words, by creating a supportive environment, you are indirectly supporting your partner’s process of a healthier lifestyle.
Help towards a reward system
Those who know about behavioral change will tell you about the importance of a reward system. From the point that your partner starts taking action, they have become achievers! At this point, you may help them to create milestones and find ways to celebrate each one.
For instance, a month of your partner’s abstinence from cigarettes could be a milestone. Once your partner has been able to achieve this milestone, acknowledge it and be their cheerleader.
You can plan rewards such as a weekend getaway or a couples’ movie night out.
This approach is also known as motivation through positive reinforcement. It is a great way to appreciate your partner’s efforts and motivate them.
By and large
Supporting your partner’s healthy lifestyle changes is an essential aspect of a thriving relationship. While both individuals may have separate health goals, aligning them and providing support can make a significant difference.
Your understanding of the motivation for your partner’s desire for a lifestyle adjustment is crucial. This is because it allows you to offer emotional support and be their pillar of strength during moments of doubt or discouragement.
As stated earlier, patience is key throughout this journey. Now, your ability to help your partner embrace the idea of patience while trying to change makes you a supportive partner. It is probably the best means to encourage them to persist, even when faced with challenges. Equally important is the fact that teamwork plays a vital role in the process, and actively participating in decisions, such as meal planning and preparation, fosters a positive environment for long-term success. Additionally, lending a helping hand in domestic matters can alleviate some of the emotional burdens associated with adopting a healthier lifestyle.
Lastly, through a reward system and a conscious decision to celebrate milestones together, your partner’s efforts will be well-appreciated. By demonstrating understanding, patience, teamwork, and support, you can contribute to your partner’s journey toward a healthier lifestyle. This, invariably, helps to contribute to the improvement of couples’ health over time.
Thank You🙏
- Partner Influence in Diet and Exercise Behaviors: Testing Behavior Modeling, Social Control, and Normative Body Size
- Facilitating Partner Support for Lifestyle Change Among Adults with Serious Mental Illness: A Feasibility Pilot Study
- Community partnerships in healthy eating and lifestyle promotion: A network analysis
- Couple Analysis in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project
- Do singles or couples live healthier lifestyles? Trends in Queensland between 2005-2014
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