For Couples
You may want to try: Instead of asking your spouse “How was your day?”, say “Tell me about your day.” The first statement encourages a one-word answer such as “Fine” and the conversations will be over. The second statement shows genuine interest in what your spouse has to say and encourages communication, promoting feelings of being cared for and supported.
For Individuals
You may want to try: Identify a subject you’ve always wanted to learn more about and find a book or some articles you can read to gain additional knowledge about it. That may lead to a more formal learning goal. This process of self-improvement may help manage symptoms of depression, anxiety and even PTSD as it distracts from chronic negative thoughts and allows you to focus on a neutral topic of interest.
For Groups
You may want to try: Affirming one another on a routine basis. Of course you don’t want to “co-sign” bad behavior. You still want to hold each other accountable as you work on your common challenges. But it is never wrong to affirm the way someone feels. That will make you and your group-mates feel supported.
Quote of the Week
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall” – Nelson Mandela
