Toxic Relationships - How They Affect Wellness and Well-Being

The goal of this brief article is to reveal the derogatory affect of toxic relationships on one's overall health, and to offer tips for dealing with them.

Recently I was talking with my doctor, and he spoke about the impact of toxic relationships on health and well-being. He told me he sees, on a daily basis, the adverse role bad relationships play in cancer, heart disease and other serious illnesses.

In particular, people who are fighting cancer must be very mindful of their relationships, he said, and take immediate steps to improve any stressful ones or those with derogatory effects.

Also, he went on to say anyone who is fighting a major illness should surround himself with good, high-quality relationships that will lift him up, and not tear him down.

Their healing may depend on it!

Many cancer patients are finding that an integrative approach to healing is the most promising. This approach involves making lifestyle changes, including exercise and diet, and considers the role played by living conditions and relationships.

Sometimes people stay in bad relationships and endure their abuses, without stopping to consider the seriousness of their impact upon their health and happiness. It's easy to overlook the impact of toxic relationships on our lives (and the lives of those whom we love). And the long-term consequences are often devastating, such as the development of emotional problems.

In reality, harmful relationships cause us to worry and lose sleep. They produce anxiety and stress. They can cause an increase in blood pressure and play a role in the development of disease!

They undermine our self-confidence and wear us down, emotionally and physically, imposing a heavy tax on the immune system. Bad relationships are socially problematic and may have an adverse affect one's career and personal life.

In short, they lower our quality of life.

What You Can Do

1. Be honest with yourself about the affect any given relationship is having on you. Don't sugar-coat the truth.

2. Get the help you need in dealing with the relationship. Take appropriate action if your relationship(s) is hurting you. Not dealing with it may seem easier but is really harder in the long run.

3. Take immediate steps to improve your relationships if you are suffering from a chronic disease, your immune system has been compromised or you are in poor health.

If you want to feel better and be happier, start by examining your relationships. If you find that a bad relationship is burdening you, take action to correct the situation. You'll be feeling better in no time.

Richard Hamon is a dynamic coach and therapist with 30 years of professional experience. Richard helps people to solve their relationship problems, enjoy truly extraordinary marriages and find exceptional success in all areas of their lives.

You'll find all kinds of articles on how to spice up your relationships and lead a happier life at Richard's website, Happy-Relationships.com. Find out about personal coaching programs to assist you in quickly reaching your loftiest goals. Discover eBooks, relaxation CDs and other informative products, such as a free relationship quiz to help you assess your relationship.

For more information on conducting state-of-the-art relationships, the latest research on true happiness, and Richard's products and services, please go to: http://happy-relationships.com