Exercise Your Relationship and Live Longer

The research has spoken: You know you should eat your vegetables, but did you know that being in a committed relationship or marriage is also good for you? There are proven health benefits to being in a stable relationship:

You'll increase your opportunities for happiness
You'll increase the odds that you'll live longer
You'll lower your risk for depression and anxiety
You'll be less susceptible to heart disease
You'll lower your risk for high blood pressure
You'll decrease the chances of dying from cancer

Don't you think that being in a committed relationship offers some extraordinary benefits? However, there's a catch: The quality of your relationship or marriage and the level of commitment are key factors in enjoying these relationship benefits. That's why it is so important to work on your relationship--each and every day.

Healthy Relationship Program: Exercise your Relationship

Why do people begin an exercise program? It usually isn't because they love sprinting on a big, circulating rubber band. It's because exercise offers a myriad of health-related benefits. Since your relationship can offer you similar benefits, doesn't it make sense to develop a Healthy Relationship Program? Starting such a program isn't as difficult as you might think.

The first step in your Healthy Relationship Program is to become mindful of all the things that are good about your intimate relationship. That's right, begin with the positive. People are generally drawn to what isn't working in their relationship and this can obscure what already is working.

Your first exercise involves making adjustments to your attention. Each day for one month try to notice everything positive your partner does (even the smallest things, such as a smile, a pat on your back, a word of encouragement). Acknowledge these instances to yourself. If it feels helpful, jot some of them down from time to time. This may feel unnatural at first and your focus may wander back to the negatives. Not to worry. The more you exercise your attention toward focusing on the positives, the easier it will become. Remember, all new exercises feel unnatural at first. After the month passes, note the impact this has on you and your relationship.

Rich Nicastro, Ph.D. is a relationship coach and psychologist. To receive the Relationship Toolbox Newsletter and two free reports on how to strengthen your relationship, visit Rich?s website at http://StrengthenYourRelationship.com/