by guest author Madison Jones
Note: This article is about meditation, with two T’s, not mediation, with one T.
Meditation has many benefits, including helping you clear your head, feel more relaxed, improve your focus, and sleep better. In addition a benefit that you may not have heard of before is how it can improve your personal relationships. It may seem strange to say that such an isolated, introverted activity could have a profound impact on how you interact with your partner – but the clarity of meditation can enhance your empathy and interpersonal skills.
1. Meditation relieves stress.
Stress is a very common condition. After all, many of us have demanding jobs and a whole host of personal commitments that can get on top of us at times. Often, it is those closest to us that will have to bear the brunt of our stress. Whether you feel like you have a short temper, you’re in a bad mood, or you don’t feel like being affectionate towards your spouse, stress can take its toll on your relationship.
Simple practices like breathing oriented meditation – whether it’s active meditation like yoga or more traditional sedentary styles – can reduce anxiety and stress tremendously. If you can take charge of curbing your stress levels by practicing yoga or meditating, you can better manage your moods, creating more harmonious relationships with your loved ones.
2. Meditation nurtures positivity.
Positivity is a powerful tool. Positive people are more productive and creative. They also have a greater ability to concentrate and learn. However, perhaps the most potent quality of positivity is how it changes others’ perception of you. A positive outlook helps you connect better with those around you; it makes you a more likable person. Just to give a mundane example, a positive person is far more likely to strike up a conversation in a public place than someone who is feeling stressed and shut down.
Furthermore, positivity helps us to be more resilient in the face of adversity, such as challenging times in our romantic relationships. Certainly, no marriage or long-term partnership is without its ups and downs, but with a positive outlook you can come out of the lows and rise up into the highs with greater ease. A whole host of studies have shown that meditation enhances feelings of happiness and well-being. With a lifted mood comes greater positivity, which you can use to nurture a positive domestic atmosphere and a more loving relationship.
3. Meditation encourages more meaningful connections.
Communication and connection are key to a successful relationship. However, sometimes, spouses can begin to feel distant from each other. Here’s a surprising statistic: a recent study revealed that 41% of respondents who were planning to separate did not tell their partner about their plans. Considering what a huge decision this is for a family, it’s pretty incredible to think that communication and connection would break down to such a great extent.
You may also be surprised to learn that meditation can play an important role in making sure these channels of connection aren’t eroded. Styles of meditation oriented towards compassion and kindness can essentially help you train yourself to be more empathetic. Through these techniques, you can cultivate a stronger, more meaningful bond with your partner. A crucial aspect of a functioning relationship is communication – so by nurturing your feelings of connection, you can make sure the lines of communication are always open.
4. Meditation can strengthen your bond.
Everyone wants to have a loving home environment, avoid conflict, and protect their precious relationships. Research shows that meditation promotes empathy, reduces anxiety and depression, and can even help you live a longer, more healthy life. In turn, this has substantial benefits for your relationships. By creating a more positive atmosphere based on communication and compassion, you can build a strong, long-lasting relationship with your spouse — the core of a healthy family.
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Madison Jones is a freelance senior researcher, content producer, event specialist, and community program supervisor from Kent. She finished a 4-year degree in Digital Arts at the University of Kent and is currently finishing her research studies to get her MSc. In addition to her work she loves traveling, doing charity work with children and families, attending events for sustainability, and promoting the importance of healthy co-parenting.
