You know the saying, “You have to love yourself before you love someone else”? While it may sound cliché at this point, it is also true. How can you possibly put time and energy into someone else when you have so much to work on yourself? It’s nearly impossible and will probably leave you feeling drained.

If you do end up helping someone while you are still working on yourself, it most likely means you really care about that person.

When things aren’t going well, or both you and your partner are struggling, try these 5 things out to relieve some emotional tension.

1. Make their life easier

It is not your duty to wait on your partner like you are hired help, but if there are things you can do that you know would make their lives a little bit easier — and it’s something attainable for you — then try it! It really is the small things like brewing coffee for them, offering to cook a meal or helping with a chore.

2. Give them a break

This point is particularly important for partners who seem to struggle with finding a work-life balance. If they are constantly working away, seem stressed out, and ultimately not making any time to do something good for their mental health, maybe step in and make sure that they do that. You can plan a weekend away, make dinner reservations, or surprise them with movie tickets.

Any small break can make such a major difference in their health.

3. Express gratitude

It doesn’t matter how big or small it is, it is so important to express the gratitude you feel for your partner and all of the things they do. Sure, you can assume that they already know you feel grateful, but sometimes a person just needs to hear it come out verbally from their partner’s mouths.

When you think about it, it’s never really going to do any harm to tell someone you appreciate them.

4. Hug it out

It may sound cheesy, but give your partner a hug. There have truly been studies that show embracing your partner reduces stress and just makes you a happier person overall. Now how great does that sound? Spend a few moments every day showing physical affection to the one you love — even a hug goes a long way.

5. Leave little notes for them

We love positive affirmations for ourselves. Sometimes we look in the mirror and tell ourselves, “You are beautiful, you are worthy.” So why not do that for your partner?

There is nothing more calming and heartwarming than finding little positive, reassuring notes left from the ones you love. It’s almost like a treat. Whether it’s leaving them a post-it that says “I love you” on their lap top, leaving their favorite candy on the counter or surprising them with flowers…

It is little things like these that can really make a person’s day, especially when they need it the most.

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Source: Life Hack / Higher Perspectives