When we talk about improving our health, one crucial aspect is often overlooked: relationships. You can eat as healthily as possible, take all your supplements and go to the gym religiously but if your relationship is in trouble, you just feel like sh*t.

Because relationships have a significant impact on how we feel both mentally and physically. 

Science even shows how love affects our hormones and cognitive functioning: 

• Love triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin, elevating your mood.
• Deeply connecting to someone lowers cortisol, thereby reducing stress.
• Oxytocin is released when you hug the other person for longer than 7 seconds, deepening trust.
• Positive emotions from love enhance memory and cognition.

And here's how love affects our body:

• Love strengthens your immune system.
• Parasympathetic relaxation reduces blood pressure. 
• Love and security in a relationship are shown to improve sleep quality.
• Emotional support even speed up recovery after injuries and surgeries.

I once heard the saying that ‘Relationships are the Universe’s playground. The place we learn most. Where we’re mirrored, challenged and confronted with ourselves - our best parts as well as our demons.

5 things to improve your relationship.

	Vulnerability is the portal to intimacy. However scary, this might very well be the way. Showing up vulnerably, saying ‘I don’t know’, ‘I need help’ or ‘I need you’ allows us to be held and seen where needed.
	Express your needs. One thing I’ve learned is that knowing what you really need from the other person is a necessity to clear communication and managing expectations. Figure out what you really need; then dare to ask for it.
	Do the ‘5 minute timer’ practice together. I personally love this practice. Make the commitment with your partner to spend 10 minutes to practice per week. Put it in your agendas. It goes like this: set the timer. You speak for those 5 minutes (even if you feel you have nothing to say), your partner listens with their heart (and does not talk/solve or tries to change anything) Then you switch!
	Get familiar with the 5 love languages. Each person has their own unique love language (words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch), and by recognizing and speaking this language, you can convey your love in a way that resonates most with your partner. For example, if your partner's love language is "Words of Affirmation," they may appreciate verbal compliments and expressions of love. If it's "Acts of Service," helping with tasks or chores can be more meaningful to them.
	Discover your Venus astrological planet. Discovering your Venus astrological planet is all about finding your Venus sign in your birth chart. Venus is all about love and relationships, and understanding your Venus sign can give you insights into your romantic preferences and desires. It's like a tool for self-discovery, helping you navigate your love life more effectively.

Who's up for building healthier relationships and a healthier life?