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Illustration showing parents and a couple, representing how parental relationships influence marriage patterns
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Can Marriage Problems Be Genetic? How Your Parents’ Relationship Affects Yours

Sometimes, many people wonder if their parent’s marriage plays a part in their relationship with their partners. If your parents had a troubled marriage, does that mean you will also repeat the same emotional patterns and is it somehow written into your DNA? The right answer is: No, you can’t carry marriage problems like your genes you get from your parents. But the right answer is a little more complicated than that.  You don’t carry your parent’s marital problems genetically, but you do carry your parent’s emotional patterns, beliefs and coping mechanisms which play a major role in your relationships. It is important to understand this difference and break that cycle. In this article, we will unpack this question step by step. Are relationship problems actually genetic? There is no single “ divorce gene” or “unhappy marriage gene.” The biological factors don’t play any role in your marriage issues but your emotions do.  However, some studies show that there are some genetic personality traits that come from your parents. These include: Emotional sensitivity Impulsivity Anxiety or mood regulation Temperament  These little quirks can influence how someone handles stress, conflict or emotional closeness. For example, if anxiety runs in your family, you may be more prone to overthinking or fearing abandonment in relationships. But this doesn’t mean conflict is inevitable, it simply means awareness and emotional skills matter more. While genetics may play a part in your behaviour, it’s the environment and experience that directs your decisions and reactions. What You Really Inherit: Relationship Blueprints Most of what people think of as “genetic” marital problems actually come from learned behaviour. We watch our parent’s behaviour as we grow up and unintentionally pick their emotional patterns and behaviours, like: How they express love Handling of disagreements  Apologising or refusing to Dealing with anger or silence Showing of respect or disrespect  These things embed in our minds subconsciously and frame how love and relationship looks like. If your parents communicated calmly and showed affection to each other, these skills will come naturally to you. But if their relationship was tense, distant, those patterns may feel “normal” to you, even if you don’t like them. How Your Parents’ Relationships Affect Yours Let’s look at the ways how the parental relationships show up in marriages or partnerships: 1. Conflict Resolution Styles Now, think about how issues in marriage were resolved in your home. There are many people who repeat the same style their parents used to follow without even realising it. If you grew up in a home where disagreements used to explode, you might become defensive quickly. If conflict was avoided, you may struggle to speak up when something hurts. These aren’t character flaws, they’re learned survival strategies. 2. Attachment Styles Many psychologists often talk about the attachment styles, which develop in childhood based on how safe and supported we felt emotionally. Your parents’  relationship play a big role here. Sometimes a parents’ unstable marriage with  problems can lead to insecurity in your relationships, while a stable one often creates emotional confidence. But attachment styles can be changed with awareness, and therapy. 3. Beliefs About Marriage When you are raised by unhappy parents, their actions make you believe that long-term relationships are disappointing. Therefore, it can influence your behaviour in your relationship, how much effort you put in and how you react to marital  problems. The representation of your parents’ marriage affects your beliefs about marriage. 4. Emotional Regulation Children often learn things by watching adults, even how to handle emotions. If your parents reacted calmly under stress then it makes your chances of handling conflict better and if they used to handle emotions differently then you learn that too. Marriage problems can bring stress and disagreement but how you manage those moments often traces back to what you saw growing up. Does your parents’ divorce affect your love life? As per statistics, people who have witnessed their parents’ divorce are more likely to experience marriage issues themselves but this is not destiny. The increased risk usually comes from: Unresolved emotional trauma Poor conflict handling Fear of commitment or abandonment Lack of healthy relationship examples While, many children who come from broken marriages with issues  become more careful about their relationships. Some communicate better, value emotional safety more and work harder to avoid repeating the past. It’s your awareness that matters and not your background. How You Can Build a Different Relationship You are not your parents’ relationship. The first step you can take is recognising the patterns and making a step towards changing them. When you reflect on your childhood and consciously choose different behaviours often leads to healthier relationships. It also helps you to find solutions for your marriage problems. Here are some ways to break the cycle and change old patterns: 1. Make a list of things you saw as a child You need to recognize everything that you saw as a child in order to understand your patterns in marital problems. Ask yourself, what did I learn about how love and conflict was handled. And the most important question you need to ask is what do you want to do differently in your relationships. When you start acknowledging these things you can start changing the patterns. Understanding and recognising marriage problems is the key to your solution. 2. Try to recognise your triggers What is it that makes you react with strong emotions, and why do you feel this way? Questions like this would be able to recognise your triggers and help you find solutions to your marriage problems. Sometimes your childhood leaves a mark on you which comes out in adulthood in unexplained ways. Your fear of being ignored may come from the emotional neglect or overreacting to criticism comes from constant childhood blame. When you recognise this, you can respond rather than react. 3. Try to learn new communication skills Skills like healthy communication, emotional regulation and boundary-setting can help in building healthy relationships. There are many

Illustration of a husband talking with his mother and wife during a family conflict
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How do you survive conflicts between your mother and your wife?

Marriage is not accomplished by just two opposite partners; it’s a bond between two families, responsibilities, and a lifetime commitment. And the biggest silent struggle for every man in marriage is surviving the conflict between his mother and wife. Both are important relationships and possess their own position with no comparison. And if you support your wife listening to a one-sided dispute, your mom feels ignored, and vice versa. If you are going through the same situation, you are not alone. Due to the generation gap, many individuals today feel confused about whether to support or ignore the conflicts that occur between wife and mother.  Let’s break it down and find some practical ways to keep both of them happy while managing a balance. We will also help you understand if you should go to family counselling and what you should expect from experts. Why Situational Worsening Between Mother And Wife Every relationship has some expectations, and so between your mother and wife. However, different expectations from each other can lead to disappointment and tension. Also, feeling caught between loyalty to Mom and wife can create stress.  The other reason can be poor communication, misunderstandings, and different upbringings or values that might clash. Thus, these issues, along with overstepping or unclear boundaries, can create the biggest relationship problems. Hence, finding ways to improve their relationship can help you get out of the situation and make the right decision. 7 Unexpected Challenges Newlyweds Face Accept That You Are A Bridge And Not A Judge When your mom and your beloved wife fight over an issue, remember that you are the mediator, not the referee. At this point, always stay neutral and help them communicate effectively. Your role is to facilitate understanding, not taking sides, because if you support one, others will surely misunderstand you with bias. Listen To Both Sides For A Clear Understanding A good relationship comes from effective communication. So, to avoid relationship issues, try to hear them out, understand their perspectives, and grasp the root issue. If you find your mom to be right, explain to your wife silently why your mother is right, and similarly for the other. This helps you address the problem, not just the symptoms. Never Argue About Negative Points About Each Other You well know that negativity in any husband and wife relationship can spoil its root. So, you must refrain from criticizing or arguing about each other’s flaws. Try to do a SWOT analysis and focus on resolving the issue, not blaming, by explaining each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Never Complain To One Another Your mother and wife come from different generations and have strong expectations. So, don’t vent to your wife about your mom, or vice versa, as it can ruin the bond that was created since marriage. Always address issues directly and respectfully to avoid escalating tensions. Don’t Force Yourself To Be Friends With Each Other Don’t push your mom and your life partner to be besties, as they can never be, especially in an Indian marriage. So, you can encourage respect and civility and let relationships evolve naturally over time. Let them understand themselves and the positivity and negativity they possess while living together. Set A Boundary To Encourage Respect Between Them You well know that respect and loyalty come from the heart; you cannot force them into any relationship. So, always try to establish clear expectations for interactions by setting a boundary between your mother and wife. This helps maintain harmony and prevents overstepping between their relationships. Honestly, Figure Out Who Has Made The Actual Mistake The best relationship advice for men whenever conflicts happen, always figure out who is at fault without partiality. You must honestly assess the situation and take responsibility if needed. Apologize to them clearly by listening to each other’s problems and making amends to move forward. Always Try Making Positive Environment You well know that you have to live with your mom and your wife; both play equally important roles in your life’s success. So, always focus on creating a harmonious atmosphere by taking them out to dinner, visiting favorite destinations, and going to a place of worship. Emphasize shared goals and happy moments to diffuse tension. Verdict – How Holding Hands Helps You Deal With Mother-Wife Conflict The harsh reality is that your mother has raised you since birth, and your wife has chosen you as a life partner. Thus, when you make a balance and respect the husband wife problem solution, it would reduce the conflicts naturally, and you can see happy hearts at home filled with love, care, and admiration for each other.  However, if certain conflicts lead to the breakdown of the relationship, then it will be better to seek relationship counselling services.  At The Holding Hands, we believe in nurturing relationships and building strong bonds. Get expert advice from a professional psychiatrist or counselor on comprehensive relationship support tailored to your needs. We offer consultation with an expert relationship psychologist and personalized therapy sessions. FAQs Q1. How do I prioritize between my mom and wife? You can effectively prioritize your relationship with your wife, but be respectful and caring towards your mom. For better results, get relationship advice for women from an expert psychologist. Q2. What if my wife doesn’t get along with my mom? If your better half doesn’t get along with your mom, then encourage open communication, set boundaries, and plan separate activities. Q3. How do I handle criticism from my mom about my wife? Whenever criticism from your mom about your wife happens, it can lead to a toxic marriage. So, always try to stay calm, listen, and politely assert your boundaries. For more relationship questions, reach out to a professional mental health support provider like The Holding Hands. Q4. What are the best relationship tips for a harmonious life between a mom and wife? The best relationship tips for a harmonious life between a mom and wife, as per a relationship counselling expert,

Illustration representing newlywed couples facing marriage problems in the first year
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Marriage Problems in the First Year: 7 Unexpected Challenges Newlyweds Face

A marriage is more than a ceremony where a newlywed couple steps into a new life and shares their responsibilities. They show commitment and take vows to share happy and sorrowful moments in every stage of their lives. But after a year, most newlywed couples forget these vows because of cultural differences, habits, and more, and as a result, marriage problems start, and in the worst case, even some marriages come to an end.  So, if you are a newlywed couple and want to make your married life memorable, then you must beat the unexpected challenges listed below. 7 Unexpected Challenges Newlyweds Face There are multiple challenges that a newlywed couple faces, such as cultural differences, beliefs, habits, and more. But there are some unexpected challenges that pile up, and at one point, such challenges become major marriage issues that result in divorce. So, instead of carrying these unknown marital problems, you must work on them, and for your comfort, these major issues are listed below. 1. Financial Challenges Every mature individual wants to be financially independent, but after marriage, financial dependency increases. One might be focusing more on savings, and the other half wants to spend money on lavish items; as a result, conflict arises. Moreover, if you are a newlywed bride and forced to be a housewife due to some reasons, then you will have to rely on your husband for your expenses, due to which the ignition of husband wife problems will take place. 2. Combating Each Other’s Habits A task or activity that has been followed over the years becomes a habit, and as a newlywed bride, it becomes hard for you to follow the same habit in your in-laws’ house.  Moreover, you are not aware of your husband’s habits, and you may try to change them according to your perspective. Such an act may create chaos in your newly married life, and at one stage, you both may look for a counselor to seek advice related to marriage problems and solutions. 3. Adjustment Issue With New Relations A marriage ceremony not only binds two souls but also unites two families, and this union sometimes affects the relationship of a newlywed couple. The reason is that they fail to meet the expectations of in-laws, and in this case, mostly the bride faces a huge problem.  Usually, the clash starts with the newlywed bride and her mother-in-law, as the latter has been managing the household chores from the beginning, and she expects that the same activities must be followed by the newlywed bride.  But the bride comes with new ideology and perspectives, and she always tries to execute modern initiatives to handle the household chores, and this clash of thoughts and ideology results in a big clash where the groom gets grilled between his mother and wife, which heavily affects his marriage. So, if you are a bride or groom, then you must respect the ideology of your in-laws and try to have concrete communication for a healthy relationship. 4. Overexpectation Most newlywed brides expect that they will be treated as queens in their new home, just like they were in their father’s home, where they ruled their own lives. But the situation gets reversed, where she has to perform multiple tasks and follow the rules set by the elders. Here, she thinks that her life has become miserable and just keeps complaining about the same thing to her husband.  So, if you are a newlywed bride, then you must keep your expectations low to avoid any internal conflict that may bring chaos to your married life. However, if you fail in achieving this objective, then you will have to step in for counseling for marriage problems. 5. Possessiveness Love is a string that connects two hearts, but if you pull it too hard, then there is a high chance that it may break, which means if you are possessive in your relationship and don’t give space to your partner, then your sweet memory will become bitter.  For instance, if you are continuously monitoring your partner’s activities, such as whom he/she is talking to, checking his/her phone all the time, and more, then such an obsession will affect your life, and you will have to look for counselors for your marriage issues and solutions. 6. Communication Gap Being a newlywed bride or groom, you would have a lot of things to bring to the table, like future dreams, family planning, career, and more. But lack of communication spoils everything, and as a result, you might fail to discuss a lot of matters, even the day-to-day activities, with your better half.  The pile of such stuff increases your mental stress, makes you anxious, and ultimately, it leads to the battleground, where your partner knowingly or unknowingly becomes your opponent. Intending to save your marriage and figure out this challenge, you will have to seek advice from a counselor for marital problems counseling, and this could be the most efficient way for a happy married life. 7. Overshadow Of Professional Life In Personal Life In the modern world, it’s quite hard to rely on a single breadwinner, as the responsibilities are too big and cannot be lifted by your better half. So, if you have planned to resume your job after the first year of marriage, then make sure to create a bridge between your professional and personal life. Even if you are doing office work after office hours at home and not giving time to your partner, then he may feel lonely, and that can create more distance between you two. So, don’t blend two lives and ensure to keep them separate for a healthy married life. Conclusion You might have heard a phrase that too many utensils lying in the same place makes a lot of noise. It means if you are not giving space to your partner or are being obsessed with him/her, then it will create a lot of marriage problems.  So, to get

Woman stretching in the morning as part of a stress-relief morning routine
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How to Build a Morning Routine for Effective Stress Relief

You might think how a morning routine can help you in relieving stress, but it’s our mornings which set the tone of our days and changing a morning routine can play an effective role in your stress relief. When you start your morning in a rush, it’s become easier to carry that stress and tension throughout the day. Be it for a few minutes but building a morning routine can go a long way in creating a stress free lifestyle. In this article, we’ll help you to build a morning routine that helps in relieving stress and bring that balance which will fuel a peaceful mindset. Why a Mindful Morning Matters A mindful morning routine is a set of small stress relief activities  that helps you start your day in a manner that keeps you grounded even before your day begins. Here’s what makes it powerful: Before you start your day a few deep breaths or a peaceful moment with yourself can signal your body that you are safe, and your nervous system will start to respond. You will help your body to lower your heart rate and ease tension before you start your day. When you begin your day without panic, you’re more clear headed and focused, which helps you stay centered and make better decisions. A regular morning routine keeps you mindful which helps in staying calm and less reactive to unexpected stress. When you practice your morning routine daily, you might find yourself more calm while handling daily challenges. When you choose how to begin your day even with small rituals, it helps you to regulate your energy and mood. With this kind of liberation, you can easily avoid stress and live a tension free life. So, even small rituals or mindful breathing exercises can shift the mood of your entire day. Simple Morning Routines You Can Actually Do You don’t need complicated rituals, long meditations, or ideal conditions to build a morning routine. The goal is not about creating a perfect morning routine but more about being present for yourself and reconnecting with your emotions. We’ll walk through some simple yet effective stress relief activities that you can try, depending on how much time or energy you have. The Two-Minute Reset Try to sit or stand before starting anything you want to do Take three deep breaths Stretch your arms overhead and roll your shoulders Silently set an intention for example, “Today I’ll be kind to myself.” This routine is perfect for rushed and busy mornings, or when you are not a “morning person.” Even two minutes can help you feel more purposeful and calm. The Sensory Scan For overthinkers or anxious minds, this helps you come back to the present. You can pick a simple exercise like picking five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one you can taste. If you find this exercise too tedious then just reach out for something comforting, sip a warm drink, notice the air on your skin and it will make you feel grounded in the moment. There are many relaxation techniques that have helped many people by breaking mental spirals and making them feel grounded. The “Drop-in” Gratitude One other stress relief activity some like to do is by starting their morning tea with a morning gratitude note to self. Just pick one thing that you’re grateful for and take a full breath. This exercise simply helps you to shift focus on good things and helps you to start your day with appreciation and calm mind. The Unplugged Walk If you start your day a little early then take a walk with no distractions just you and the world around you. Try to notice the feel of your feet on the ground, they air on your skin and the rhythm of your breath. Let your thoughts come and go. These stress relief activities help you to bring clarity and reset your mind, which ultimately helps you to reduce stress naturally. The Breath Anchor Try to start your busy morning with a short breath exercise rather than starting your day in a hurry. Just sit comfortably and inhale slowly for a count for four and exhale slowly for six, and repeat this for 3-5 times. Even a few rounds of this exercise will help you relax your mind and shift your mood. How to Build a Morning Routine That Sticks Many build a morning routine but only some of them stick to it. With busy schedules, it gets difficult sticking to a routine. So, here are some tips that not only help you build a morning routine but also maintain on 1. Start with what already works You don’t need to throw out your entire morning. Pick habits that naturally come to you and make you feel calm. It could be your morning coffee while standing in your balcony or a stretch in bed, use these anchors. Sometimes mindfulness and tension free life comes from honoring habits that you’ve already got. 2. Build new habits around old It is easier to build new habits around the old ones as it reduces the mental effort to remember new habits. If your morning routine includes having a sip of tea or coffee then do a quick gratitude check while you make it. Or some like to do yoga for stress relief, you can also pick some relaxation techniques from there. 3. Make flexible and realistic routine It is important to admit that every morning is not the same and sometimes you will have time for just a deep breathing exercise and maybe another day you will have time for everything. But it doesn’t mean on the days when you don’t have time you skip your routine or feel bad that you didn’t follow the steps, the goal is to be present and relax your mind. Read Also: Work-Life Balance Tips: Relationship Advice for Modern Couples  4.

Illustration of a woman practicing mindful habits for good mental health — blog header image
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How to Improve Your Mental Health: 7 Habits to Practice Every Day

In today’s fast-paced world, taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. Therefore, it is important to find effective activities to improve mental health that can make a huge difference in how you feel, think, and handle life’s challenges.  Developing a few mindful and healthy habits for good mental health and sticking to them can help strengthen your emotions to bring positivity and build resilience into your mental well-being. Adapting small habits that improve mental health can reduce stress, improve focus, and help you feel more grounded in your everyday life. In this blog post, we will understand the importance of mental health, common factors causing stress, seven powerful habits that improve mental health, and signals that shout out for the urgent need of visiting a mental health counselor to lead a journey toward a calmer, happier, and healthier life. Why Mental Health Awareness Is So Important In Life Mental well-being is the foundation for promoting overall health because it influences your thoughts, emotions, and actions you take in daily life. It affects your ability to cope with stress and make decisions to maintain healthy relationships with people around you. A positive mind and good habits for mental health improve your productivity, creativity, and resilience during different challenges. In contrast, bad habits for mental health lead you to emotional struggles, physical health issues, and strained social connections.  Thus, when you prioritize your mental well-being, it allows you to live a balanced, fulfilling life while experiencing happiness and achieving personal growth. In short, mental health is an essential part of your physical health for living a meaningful and thriving life. Common Factors That Disturb Mental Health Emotional factors: If you are constantly facing problems related to negative thoughts, then it can significantly affect your emotional well-being. Challenging environment: Your living conditions with no proper schedule can increase your work pressure and exposure to violence or disasters. It impacts your stability of mental health at work and in life as well. Psychological factors: If you are constantly going through overthinking, childhood trauma, negative thoughts, and loneliness, it can significantly result in anxiety. Social disconnection: The lack of family, friends, and social support can trigger and worsen your mental state, which can lead to isolation and unhealthy relationships. Unhealthy lifestyle choices: A poor sleep cycle and unhealthy diet, with the lack of physical activity, can contribute to different mental challenges and health complications. 7 Best Habits To Improve Mental Health Stress and overthinking are some crucial reasons for mental health disturbance. In your day-to-day life, you might have been surrounded by negative thoughts and are struggling to face them. Here are the 7 best practices to relax your brain and improve mental health outcomes. 1. Maintain A Balance Diet Excessive sugar intake, packaged food, and fast foods results in mood swings and brings countless other health issues. Therefore, to stabilize your mood and support brain function, you must consume a variety of nutritious foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Preventing processed food intake can prevent fatigue and improve your overall mental health. 2. Practice Mindfulness & Meditation Due to the hectic schedule, you can face excessive stress and anxiety from your work. Therefore, you must practice different meditation techniques to stay calm and happy. These regular practices strengthen focus, emotional resilience, and self-awareness while promoting a calmer mind with improved mental health at work. 3. Exercise Regularly Adding physical activity to your daily schedule can help in the release of endorphins, which naturally elevate your mood and reduce stress. Thus, take quality sleep of at least 6 hours a day, maintain your energy levels to support cognitive function, and start doing some light physical activities to improve mental health, which are crucial for your mental well-being. 4. Follow Simple Gratitude Practice Overthinking can lead to negative thoughts; gratitude is one of the best practices that can reframe your perspective for balancing emotional health. You can write down notes reflecting things that you are thankful for, to welcome happiness and positive thinking in life. 5. Limit Social Media Use Social media is one of the reasons for overthinking, anxiety, and disturbing mental health due to the maximum time spent engaged with the screen. Therefore, when you start focusing less on online validation, it helps you in maintaining a healthier and more balanced mental state. 6. Connect With Loved Ones Mental health gets disturbed when you start feeling lonely and insecure about the people you care for. Therefore, you should spend some time with friends and elders to build and nurture meaningful relationships. These are some basic yet highly effective habits for good mental health that help you maintain emotional balance and strengthen your resilience against stress. 7. Spending Time In Nature Nature is one of the best places to find peace of mind and calmness within yourself because of a vibrant environment surrounded by soothing scenery. It helps in lowering your stress, improving your mood, and enhancing your cognitive function while providing relaxation and mindfulness. When Should You Look For A Mental Health Counselor A psychologist and mental health professional is an expert who identifies the hidden causes and guides you to cope with them underlying causes. They help you make the right decisions, change your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to step ahead, and welcome a happier life. Reaching out to mental health experts early can help you prevent problems from worsening. They offer guidance, therapy, coping strategies, and sometimes medical intervention to help you navigate challenges effectively.  Here is a list of common signs when you should rush to consult a psychologist online or in a nearby area. If you’re experiencing prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety, a healthcare professional can help you by advising on your mental and physical health strategies. Struggling to manage your daily responsibilities due to disturbance in sleep cycle, and distraction at work, then recommendations from experts can positively change your lifestyle. Excessive negative surroundings lead to persistent thoughts

Balancing love and work illustration – relationship advice for modern couples to manage career and emotional connection effectively | relationship counseling blog image
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Balancing Love and Work: Relationship Advice for Modern Couples

In today’s world, balancing work and relationships can be challenging for some individuals. When both partners are career-driven and adore their connection at the same time, it comes to a point where you simply ask yourself what comes first, but you don’t have to choose one. Both career and love play a special role in your life, and sometimes you just need to find the right balance. It takes a whole lot of effort and understanding to maintain that balance. If you’re struggling to find that balance between your work and your relationship, then here is some relationship advice that can help you out! 1. It is not always about 50-50 Many people often think that balance means equal time should be given to both work and their partner. However, it is not always like that. One of the first relationship counseling advice you need to hear is that it doesn’t work like that. Sometimes, it’s about giving your partner space and time to complete their job responsibilities, and when you need it too, your partner supports you. Our first relationship advice is to communicate honestly and understand each other’s situations. With respect, teamwork, and flexibility, you can support both your career and love life. Recognize that sometimes work will take priority, so help each other at home without keeping score. This mutual support creates a safe space and maintains balance. 2. Talk more and honestly One of the most heard relationship advice is that talking to your partner openly can solve any problem you might have in your life and when work is stressing you out, it is better to turn to your partner.  When you have a stressful week at a toxic workplace, make sure to talk it through with your partner, so they know what is bugging you and you don’t end up getting into a fight with your partner unintentionally.  Even when your partner is having a bad day at work, try to listen and talk to them. When you both know what is going on in your professional life, you can maintain your relationship and don’t let problems get in between, even simply through talking. 3. Spend quality time together Some people think romance is always about grand gestures, but it is not like that. Even putting consistent little efforts in your relationship can keep your partner happy and your relationship healthy.  When you get time, even if it is not much, try to spend it together away from phones and distractions. Even in many relationship counselling, it is told by counsellors to spend quality time together. Spend quality time with each other, you can cook together or go for a walk, these little things can keep your flame alive while showing each other how you prioritize each other. It is not specific relationship advice for men or women; you both should give each other time, whenever you can.  4. Support each other’s careers Just like we said earlier, when a modern couple is career driven, things tend to get competitive, especially when one partner’s career moves forward more than the other. It is important to remember you are teammates and not competitors.  Supporting each other’s goals is very important while balancing your work and life. You should celebrate each other’s success and be there for each other when things are going south. When both partners feel supported and loved, they thrive together. 5. Set boundaries between work and personal life It has become harder to leave work at the office. When your professional life follows you home, it is hard to find that balance between work and personal life which eventually affects your mental health. It is important to set boundaries in order to protect your relationship.  You can try some things like: Stop checking your work after coming home. Don’t use your phone at the dinner table. Don’t bring your laptop into shared spaces in the house; create a work-free zone. Yes, career is one of your priorities in life, but sometimes you need to set boundaries so it doesn’t overshadow your relationship with your partner. 6. Manage stress together One of the rarest relationship advice for couples, you would hear is managing stress together, you can pick out stress relief activities and manage your stress together. Work can be stressful, but what matters is how you handle it as a couple. Some people isolate themselves from their partners when they are overwhelmed with work stress.  And sometimes you end up dumping all your stress on your partner at once,which makes things difficult. Instead, try to find ways where you both can relax like going for a jog together or doing your favourite things, it will help you both to manage your stress levels and you both end up getting closer to each other. 7. Divide home chores equally Many expert psychologists say one of the main reasons modern couples fight these days is the uneven division of household duties. This relationship advice is for both husband and wife; it is important to understand that both partners are working and not only one should be responsible for doing the household work.  These little problems lead to frustration and passive aggressiveness. Talk openly with each other, how you can divide the chores so that both partners feel equally involved. Working as a team at home can never get in the way of emotional harmony.  Dividing chores shows partnership and mutual respect for each other, which goes a long way in maintaining balance between work and relationship. 8. Make time for yourself One of the unrecognized reasons behind a broken relationship is not spending enough time with yourself and not asking for time apart. As much as it is important to spend time together, it is also essential to make time for yourself, too. You need to understand the importance of work -life balance by giving each other space.  It could be about going out with friends, enjoying your favourite hobby, or just being

Illustration of a happy family reading together representing parenting counseling and parent-child counselling support.
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Why Parents Should Consider Parent-Child Counselling

Becoming a parent is one of life’s most fulfilling experiences, filled with joy, excitement, love, and deep bonding. Along with all these many other responsibilities come in their life, and parenting counseling has become essential for today’s generations, apart from meeting their basic needs. This may be because they lack patience, politeness, empathy, and the ability to mindful thinking, which hinders relationships with parents and families.  Now, parent-child counseling helps parents to enjoy parenthood, raise and nurture a responsible child, and develop their emotional and intellectual capabilities. If you are feeling distant from your child and looking for more reasons for parent-child counseling, let’s have a further look at this article. What Are the Types Of Counselling Methods Involved? If your child is feeling stressed, uncomfortable, and filled with emotional unsettling, then counseling can be the best solution. Here, parent-child counselling can be held in various therapeutic approaches to support healthy relationships and come out with challenges as given below- Mindfulness-Based Parenting– Encourages parents to cultivate mindfulness and presence in their interactions with their children, reducing stress and improving relationships. Emotion-Focused Therapy– Helps parents and children understand, express, and manage emotions, promoting empathy and understanding. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)– A behavioral approach that teaches parents effective communication and discipline techniques to improve relationships and reduce behavioral problems. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)- Helps parents and children identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors, promoting more positive interactions. What Happens In Counselling Between Parent And Child? During the first counseling, you not only share thoughts, but you also get solutions to support your child with happiness, intelligence, career focus, and emotional well-being. Let’s have a look at what you can expect from famous psychologists with different counselling sessions- You will get a collaborative approach to identify goals and develop strategies for achieving them. Your families will know about learning effective communication skills, such as active listening and expressing feelings. You will develop problem-solving strategies and more effective ways of managing conflict. You will get a safe and supportive environment where families can openly discuss their concerns. How Parent-Child Counselling Helps Your Child- Top Reasons Explained Whether it’s a 5-year-old, a teenager, or an adult, every child is special. But certain life challenges duly impact your child’s mental health, and sometimes you are unaware of them. So, parent-child counseling, which is a type of therapy, is of utmost importance for boosting overall well-being and helping them with a defined career. Here are the reasons why parent-child counseling helps your child. Allow Better Communication With Child In any relationship, if communication is lacking, it leads to a weakened base, resulting in distance, regret, and separation. With parent-child counseling, you come up with more effective communication skills, reducing misunderstandings and conflict. A mental health professional helps you understand what is inside the child’s mind, what you think, and provides the best suggestions to fix issues. Make the Relationship Bond Stronger A good parent does not mean you are fulfilling every need of your child. Your role is successful only if you have a stronger bond; it means they are able to talk freely without any hesitation. By working together in counseling, parents and children build unbreakable, more positive, and long-term relationships. Develop a Sense Of Greater Empathy Empathy or understanding between a child and a parent is very crucial to raising them with positivity. This is well understood by counselling experts who deliver motivational thoughts and help parents and children develop greater empathy and understanding for each other’s perspectives in a better way. Helps to Reduce Conflicts And Misunderstandings Since childhood is the sensitive phase of innocence and fun, there are many conflicts and misunderstandings due to the life stress of parents and family issues. So, with parent-child counselling, it helps family members learn more effective ways to manage and reduce stress and anxiety, creating a positive environment. Develop Healthier Boundaries With Families Be it a joint family or a nuclear family, developing open and transparent boundaries with families is a must. If it lacks, parent-child counseling can help establish healthier boundaries and more positive ways of interacting, not only with children but with everyone. When Should I Go For Parent Counselling? The love between parent and child is unconditional, but you never know when behavioral or emotional challenges or negativity will hit your child. Here, parent-child counselling is the first step towards building a stronger, more loving family. Let’s see below what the ideal time is to start parent counselling to avoid future risk.  If experiencing Persistent Conflict: If arguments between parents and children are persistent and causing stress, counselling can be beneficial at this time. When There Are Behavioral Issues: If a child’s behavior is causing concern, such as a loud voice, aggression, anxiety, or depression, counseling can be highly effective. Seeing Major Life Changes: When you experience significant life changes, such as divorce, moving, or loss of a loved one, it can be challenging for families. Counselling can provide support during these times. When There Is a Communication Breakdown: If collaboration between parents and children has broken down, counselling can help repair relationships in a good way. Know The Role Of Counselling Sessions for Parents Parents know their child very well, and so parenting counseling is worthless without them. They support mental health professionals to identify and understand their child’s behaviour, societal interactions, communication between friends, families, outsiders, and more. This allows mental specialists to take a measurable role in reducing the problems related to children through active discussions and providing suggestions on stress relief activities. How Can I Find the Right Parent-Child Counsellor Ask for Referrals: Ask your child’s school, pediatrician, or friends for recommendations. Online Search: Look online for counselors in your area who specialize in parent-child counselling. Check Credentials: Make sure the therapist has experience working with families and is licensed to practice in your state. Over To You- Support Your Child’s Counselling Journey With The Holding Hands Life is already full of challenges, and every child deserves

Therapist and client in a counselling session discussing how motivational counselling helps when you feel low.
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How Motivational Counselling Helps When You Feel Low

Have you ever felt stuck and unsure about your life, and ended up with a question like what to do and where to find a solution for your problems? Well, motivation in counselling helps you in finding clarity in the chaos to discover your strength for achieving meaningful goals. This approach gently guides you from emotional lows towards renewed hope for a purposeful action. In this article, we will discover the different motivational counselling techniques and how they help you in achieving positivity to deal with depression and anxiety for better mental health. What Are Motivational Counseling Techniques? Motivational counseling techniques are strategies used to help you overcome ambivalence to build confidence and take meaningful action toward your personal goals. Here is a list of key motivational techniques, which are as follows: Motivational Interviewing: It helps you to explore and resolve ambivalence about a change by using open-ended questions and reflective listening. Setting clear goals: To find the right direction in achieving your goals, this counselling process helps you to turn your vague desires into clear thoughts. Strength-based reflection: This technique involves highlighting your existing strengths and past successes to encourage you to build a positive self-image. Change talk encouragements: For focusing from external pressure to internal motivation, this process helps you to verbalize your desire and ability for change. Empathic listening: To create a safe space for honest reflection, this technique helps in building trust, which helps you to validate your feelings without judgment. How Motivational Counseling Techniques Can Help You? To support your overall well-being, it is important to seek help when you feel low-motivated or are dealing with negativity. Here is a list of different motivational counselling techniques that can help you find solutions for your negative thoughts. Reframing Negative Thoughts Motivation serves as a driving force that helps in reframing the negative thoughts into a positive mindset that helps you shift your focus from problems to solutions.  It often involves being kind to yourself, which helps you in overcoming the self-criticism that influences the negative thoughts.  By actively practicing gratitude, visualizing positive outcomes, and learning from the challenges can cultivate and empower your internal narratives to turn them into valuable lessons. Thus, motivational books are an ideal option for being aware of the problems that arise from negativity and to easily replace them with a positive mindset. Clarifying Your Goals Motivational thoughts help in clarifying your goals by guiding you to understand your personal values, strengths, and aspirations. It can transform your vague desires into specific, achievable objectives through well-structured techniques like goal-setting and reflective dialogue. Therefore, when you address these internal conflicts and ambivalence, it fosters you with clarity and commitment. Thus, this process encourages self-awareness and empowers you to take purposeful action, which aligns your goals with what matters to you by making them more meaningful and attainable. Developing Emotional Resilience When you face challenges without being overwhelmed it can be difficult; therefore motivational counselling helps you to develop emotional resilience by equipping you with the right approach to deal with it. It encourages you about self-awareness, helping you understand your emotional triggers and responses. Through these, you learn to reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth for building coping strategies to foster a sense of inner strength. Thus, when you become more adaptable and emotionally balanced, you learn to bounce back quickly from stress when your life gets tough. Overcoming Self-Doubt By reshaping the way you view yourself and your abilities, motivational counselling can help you to overcome self-doubt. It creates a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore the root causes of your doubts and challenges to clear your negative thoughts. Whether it’s related to your past failures, negative feedback, or internal criticism with techniques like motivational interviewing therapy, cognitive restructuring, and strength-based reflection can help you replace them with empowering ones. Thus, when you begin to recognize your strengths and start celebrating your small wins, it helps you build self-assurance and a more confident self-image. Building Self-Confidence Motivational counselling guides you to recognize and embrace your potential and achievements to help you build self-confidence. It challenges all your negative self-beliefs and replaces them with positive thoughts through techniques like motivational therapy. Therefore, when you focus on setting achievable goals and start celebrating your progress, it helps you to begin to trust in your abilities to succeed. Thus, it encourages your self-compassion and assertiveness, helping you stand up for yourself and make decisions with clarity to become more confident in yourself. How Does Motivation Improve Mental Health? Somedays, you may find yourself struggling to find solutions for your overthinking and stress. Here is when motivation helps in improving your mental health by encouraging purposeful action and breaking cycles of negativity. It not only boosts your self-esteem to achieve your goals but also helps you in your personal growth. Therefore, when you begin to stay motivated, this action helps you in managing your stress to build emotional resilience and a balanced mindset. How To Get Motivated When Depressed And Anxious? If you’re struggling to handle your overthinking, which results in being depressed and anxious, then you must encourage yourself in self-reflection to build confidence through positive reinforcement. However, when you address the emotional blocks, it reignites your inner motivation to help you keep going positively. In today’s fast-paced world, motivational counselling for students is considered to be an effective technique for supporting the young minds to move forward with clarity and purpose. It helps them to combat their depression and anxiety by setting small, achievable goals that help them restore focus. Can Therapy Help With Low Motivation? Yes, motivational enhancement therapy and counselling are highly effective as they help you in targeting your negative thought patterns and emotional blocks that keep you stuck. It helps you to set small, achievable goals for building self-confidence and to develop strategies into action, even when you feel motivation is low or totally absent. Wrap Up- Motivational Counselling: Your Step Towards Healing & Progress In today’s fast-paced

Illustration showing common mental health problems with visuals of stress, sadness, and anxiety — highlighting signs and when to seek help.
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Common Mental Health Problems: Signs, Causes, and When to Seek Help

It is well said by Noam Shpancer, a PhD holder, that mental wellness is not a destination but a process, and it’s all about how you drive and where you are going. This defines that mental health is not just a need but plays an integral role in living a healthy and happy life.  But certain life issues and surroundings affect the mental conditions, and you are bound by depression, stress, anxiety, and overthinking. Thus, turning life into stress and letting your loved ones suffer a lot who love and trust you. In this article, we’ll explore common mental health issues, their signs and causes, and when to seek help. What are Common Mental Illnesses and Disorders? Mental illness occurs silently; sometimes, you do not understand its root cause. This makes you suffer from mental trauma and many disorders, making your life worthless and stopping you from achieving your life’s goal. Let’s see some of the common signs of mental illness and disorders that an individual goes through. Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorders are characterized by overthinking, fear, or anxiety that interferes with daily life. Here, signs may include persistent and excessive worry, restlessness, feeling on edge, difficulty concentrating, and sometimes sleep disturbances. Depression As you live in a hectic world, depression is a mood disorder that affects mood, motivation, and overall well-being. Here, signs of depression may include persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and fatigue or low energy. Trauma- and Stress-Related Disorders Trauma and stress-related disorders that happen after experiencing a traumatic event or prolonged stress let you suffer from flashbacks or nightmares, avoidance of triggers or reminders, hypervigilance or exaggerated startle response, and difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Bipolar Disorder Like depression, Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that involves periods of mania or hypomania, often alternating with depressive episodes. You may go through continuous mood swings, from extreme highs to lows, increased energy or activity, impulsive behavior, or decreased need for sleep. Eating Disorders Everyone says eating more or less is a gut issue, but it’s not like that. You may go through eating disorders, which are mental illnesses that involve unhealthy relationships with food and body image. You may suffer through restrictive eating or bingeing, excessive exercise or purging, body image distortion, or weight fluctuations. Most Common Causes Of Mental Health Disorders Mental illness encompasses a wide range of conditions that impact daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. This is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors that can sometimes ruin life and affect mood, thinking, and behavior.  Biological Factors—Biological factors, such as genetics, brain chemistry, and medical conditions, can contribute to mental health problems. Environmental Factors—Environmental factors, such as trauma, stress, and social isolation, can also play a role. Lifestyle Factors—Lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and substance abuse, can exacerbate mental health issues. Psychological Factors—Psychological factors like coping mechanisms, self-esteem, and thought patterns can influence mental health. What Research Reveals About Mental Wellness And Problems? As per the National Institute of Mental Health, young adults aged 18-25 years had the highest prevalence of AMI (36.2%) compared to adults aged 26-49 years (29.4%) and aged 50 and older (13.9%). Thus, signifying mental health issues are a big problem that can cause serious functional impairment, which substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities. When to Seek Help From a Psychiatrist? Life is full of challenges, and mental illness is part of it. So, if you’re struggling with your mental health, it’s essential to know when to seek help. Let’s understand some signs that indicate it’s time to take mental health treatment and reach out to a mental health professional: Understand And Recognise The Signs If you’re experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or other symptoms that interfere with daily life, it’s time to seek help and follow advice to live a better life. Changes in Mood or Behavior Mood changes are not common; they indicate mental disorders that aren’t noticed. So, if you notice significant changes in your mood, behavior, or personality, it’s time to get help sooner. Interfering with Daily Life You live with a certain routine and perform daily activities along with loving your partner. But if your mental health is affecting your relationships, work, or daily activities, it’s wise to seek professional help. Suicidal Thoughts When going through serious mental illness, suicidal thoughts are sure to happen. So, if you’re thinking of self-harm or suicide, you need to immediately seek help from a mental health support team to save your life. Over To You—Take mental health support For Removing Common Health Problems Mental illness can affect anyone, be they of any age, background, or situation. Understanding the signs and triggers, and consulting mental health professionals when necessary, one can overcome and lead a fulfilling life. Mental health is important, and it takes strength to seek help, not weakness. If you are having problems with your mental health, don’t be afraid to contact a trusted professional or support network.  For more detailed suggestions on mental conditions and treatment, you can trust The Holding Hands—the best platform to get detailed information. FAQs Q1. Is it possible to feel mentally “ok” while still needing help? Absolutely, yes. It is perfectly okay to feel mentally “okay” and still require assistance. Most individuals suffer from mental health issues even when they look good on the outside. Asking for help is a positive gesture towards enhancing mental wellness, and it is more than acceptable to seek help even when you’re not in trouble. Q2. How do cultural or family expectations influence mental health? As you live in a society with an unbounded culture and daily expectations, it affects your mental health if their concerns are not met. They can make you feel like you’re overthinking, give you stress, and lead you to the way of depression. Q3. Can mental health problems arise even when external life

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Why Pre-Marriage Counseling Works: 5 Proven Benefits for Couples

Marriage, which is a life-long process, is not all about acquiring a partner with fixed roles. It is the bonding, unconditional love, and emotional attachment of both your heart as well as with the families that you share. But normally, conflict or misunderstanding has resulted in marriage failure or a life without expectations, which further spoils the lives of your children. Here, pre marriage counseling steps in as an interventionist measure that assists couples to lay a strong foundation for an everlasting relationship.  With time and effort invested in premarital counseling, couples can unearth useful information, acquire important skills, and improve their relationship. Let’s read further about this article to get acquainted with five established advantages of pre-marriage counseling that could make a huge impact on your marital life. What Pre-Marriage Counselling Covers? It’s well said that marriage is sometimes sweet and sour as well. So, decisions must be taken with precision and thinking for the future. With pre-marriage counselling, you will discover the possibilities and questions that you will face after marriage. It is like an interview for both partners about what they expect, what they think, and the preferences they will have in their upcoming marital life.  Here, you will discuss the following topics, which will help couples build a strong foundation.  Effective communication skills, active listening, and conflict resolution strategies. Financial planning, budgeting, and managing debt. Discussion about having children, parenting styles, and family goals. Clarifying expectations around household chores, household chores and financial responsibilities. The 5 Proven Benefits For couples with pre-marriage counselling There is a lot of importance to pre marriage counseling programs. This ensures that you and your partner are on the same page regarding factors like whether you want kids, how you’ll raise them, and how you’ll manage your money. Let’s see in detail the proven 5 benefits for couples with pre-marriage counseling. 1] Better Communication Skills Because open communication is the foundation of a happy marriage, the first benefit of the best pre marriage counseling is its communication efficiency that the two of you acquire. A counselor can assist in finding out and filling gaps in communication methods so that each partner gets heard and understood.  With active listening skills and healthy expression of thoughts and feelings acquired, couples can avoid misunderstandings and solve conflicts in a positive way. 2] Conflict Resolution Strategies Since marriage is a lifetime relationship, conflicts, problems, or interruptions are bound to occur; sometimes because of personal problems or a few due to family behavior, impinging on your relationship. Premarital counseling, therefore, prepares couples with skills to handle differences and prevent unhealthy patterns in the relationship. By understanding how to engage in conflicts with compassion and insight, couples have the ability to resolve disputes in a manner that reinforces their relationship. This positive strategy enables couples to go forward with confidence and strength in the face of future challenges. 3] Enhanced Intimacy and Emotional Connection Intimacy and emotional closeness are essential parts of a healthy marriage. Pre-marital Counseling offers a secure platform where couples can delve into and strengthen their emotional connection. Guided conversations help couples discuss fears, hopes, and dreams with each other, further understanding and valuing one another. A stronger emotional bond can yield a more satisfying and healthier relationship. 4] Realistic Expectation and Goal Setting Most couples go into marriage with assumptions formed during childhood, societal norms, or television and movie depictions of marriage. Therefore, another importance of pre marriage counseling is that it allows you to set realistic expectations and goal-setting.  This one-to-one talk assists you and your better half in promoting candid conversation about their values, beliefs, and objectives. By making their expectations compatible and creating a common vision for their future, couples can avoid misunderstandings and disagreements later on. 5] Prevention of Future Problems One of the most significant benefits of marriage and family counseling is its preventative nature. By dealing with issues before they escalate into large problems, couples can avoid the hurt and stress they may experience in the future. Pre-marital counseling can assist couples in determining areas where conflicts may arise and how to deal with them, preventing divorce and creating a healthier, more resilient relationship. Additional Benefits of Premarital Counseling Before Marriage Not only is marriage counseling beneficial for emotional, social, and physical satisfaction, but there are also other benefits for this approach. Let’s have a look below- Easy Family Planning– encourages open communication regarding having children, parenting philosophies, and family aspirations to ensure agreement on future family life and expectations. This assists the couple in creating a shared vision for their family’s future. Extended Family Dynamics– Internet marriage counseling assists in managing relationships with in-laws and extended family, establishing boundaries and expectations to preserve harmony in the larger family setup. Clarifying Roles and Responsibilities– It aids in establishing and allocating household work, financial responsibilities, and decision-making roles, ensuring a balanced and fair relationship. This builds an understanding that makes misunderstandings and resentment unlikely.  Wrap Up – Live Better, Happier, and Satisfied Life After Marriage With Premarital Counselling You must have seen counseling for marriage breakup, which usually sounds disappointing. But with pre-marriage counselling programs, you both as a couple, are given a new way to a relationship. For this, the first requirement is consulting the counselors from friends, colleagues, or online, such as The Holding Hands. Here, along with a pre-marriage discussion session, you can also receive post marriage counselling classes for those who want to strengthen, improve, and build stronger relationships. So, don’t wait, just reach out the online marriage counseling India now and live a better, happier, and satisfied life. FAQs- Importance of Pre-Marriage Counselling Q1. What key topics are typically discussed during pre-marriage counseling? When you go for pre-marriage counselling, the following topics will be asked of you and your partner- Financial Planning Roles in the marriage Decision-Making Processes Family relationships Q2. How can pre-marriage counseling help identify potential areas of conflict? Pre-marriage counselling helps identify potential areas of conflict by discussing important

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