relationships

Big Tips For A Happier 2008

from Family Digest

 

1. Learn to Fight Fair

Although conflict in marriage is completely normal, how you handle it can affect your stress level. Researchers from Ohio State University have shown that couples that demonstrate negative behaviors toward each other during discussions have increased overall stress levels when compared to couples who behave more positively.

 

Negative behaviors include sarcasm, putdowns, overt nastiness, and dismissals.

The researchers suggest that the key to lowering stress during an argument is to concentrate on the issues at hand and reduce any negative responses that result from the discussion.

 

2. Leave it in the Past

How you respond to life's many hurdles can determine how healthy you are. According to Elaine Kindle, Ph.D., the director of the Life Focus Center, "Accepting 'whatever' is perhaps the most important thing you can do for yourself to have a healthy attitude toward life."

 

         This doesn't mean you have to just sit back and take what life throws at you. Rather, it means that it is essential that you adopt a philosophy of acceptance. "This does not mean passively allowing your future to be determined by others, but is the understanding that the past is truly past and cannot be changed. Through acceptance of the past, you free yourself from guilt and allow yourself to actively take action to improve your future," says Kindle.

 

Use these two simple tips to shape a wonderfully happy 2008.

 

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©1996-2007 Family Digest

 

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? You can as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Darryl L. Mobley, who has been called, "The Black Family's Best Friend," and is the founder of Family Digest Magazine - Black America's No. 1 Family & Relationship Magazine - publishes the Family Digest Newsletter each week. Darryl is also a keynote speaker and corporate consultant. If you're ready to create smarter, happier and healthier relationships, family and kids, subscribe FREE to the Family Digest Newsletter now at http://www.FamilyDigestSubscriptions.com.