At Carpenter Smith Consulting, we’re passionate about supporting you in creating success and satisfaction in your leadership, your work, and your world. And, to do that, we know that you need to take care of yourself. No self = no success or satisfaction.  
 
So, this week we want to encourage you to read this thought-provoking article in the American Psychological Association’s Monitor on Psychology, Life-Saving Relationships by Kirsten Weir, March 2018, p 46 – 53.
 
The author does a great job describing what we’re learning about the importance of relationships to our health. We often encourage you to sleep, take time for yourself, move and connect with others, and the newest research is showing definitively that connecting with others is as important as the other aspects of self-care.  
 
Early in the article, Weir describes the research on early family life and how more supportive families can buffer kids from future health issues. 
 
While that’s helpful to know, if you haven’t had a supportive childhood, all is not lost. As we grow up and age, relationships remain important for physical and mental health.

There’s more research to be done to fully understand the physiology; but why wait for more research when you can take some time this week to ask yourself:

  • Do I have people in my life that I do fun and nurturing activities with?
  • Do I have someone who can help me think through my goals and the paths to reach them?
  • Do I have one or two relationships where I feel safe, respected, and cared for?
  • Is there someone I can reach out to when I’m challenged or distressed?
  • Do I have enough people in my life who support my need for connection and respect my need for time alone? 

There is no right number or type of relationships you should have in your life. What you need depends on who you are, how you refuel, and how you get comforted, but most of us need to know we are seen, respected, and valued.

Think about how you can build those relationships into your life!

~ Linda, Stephanie, and Heather