By Rev. Dr. Penny L. Taylor, MDiv, MSW, PhD, LCSW & Rev. Dr. William G. Ressl, MDiv, MSW, PhD, LCSW

 A Series on Upgrading Your Mental Health!

Our expert therapists and leadership have shared some of their most effective tips on how to upgrade and prioritize your general well-being. Integrating any of these tips into your daily life will take intentionality, practice and patience. Creating a new habit or routine begins by making a commitment and then persevering. Often, it’s one step forward and one step back. Focus on progress and not perfection. The benefit is worth the effort!

Penny Taylor and Bill Ressl have been married for over 30 years and each has worked with individuals, couples, and families for over 20 years. Bill’s practice is supported by life experience, advanced degrees, and work as a counselor, pastor, and professor. Penny brings her expertise from theology, social work, and the corporate world into the therapeutic session.

Relationships need nurturing, so read through our suggestions for increasing connection with your romantic partner. Sometimes even the smallest changes can lead to a stronger relationship! Couplehood/Marriage means enjoying life with the person you love, need some ideas? Try these…

1. Make Hand Holding a Special Moment: We’ve all held hands, but you can make it extra special. Whether you‘re lying in bed, taking a walk, or out in a gathering…. hold your partner’s hand and squeeze it gently three times to let them know… “I … love … you.”
2. Sometimes Simple Things Are Best: Consider doing something simple, inexpensive, and fun together. Encourage each other to come up with a date idea, then do it ! Be intentional about setting aside some quality time together, to continue deepening your relationship.
3. Promise Again – Everyday: Remember why you are a couple – what special bond created your journey of couplehood and keep it in mind – especially in the hardest moments (and for sure, those will come and hopefully pass). Take time to be grateful for the gift of the relationship while promising the best of that gift to your partner again and again.
4. Listen in Love and Minimize the Negative Triggers: Simply, listen sensitively and react spontaneously to the needs of your partner. Remember, in relationships we often learn how to trigger each other in both negative and positive ways. Consciously become aware of this in order to trigger the positive in each other and minimize the negative triggers.
5. Pray Unceasingly:  We suggest all couples learn to pray – to God, the Great Whatever, your Higher Power or however you define that which is larger than you and your relationship. Pray for each other, the relationship, and be grateful for the gifts and good things bestowed by the Great Whatever on your relationship. Do this in both the hard and good times (both will come and go).

Learn more about Bill Ressl here.

Learn more about Penny Taylor here.