Practicing mindfulness has been shown to offer numerous benefits not only for individuals, but it can also help to strengthen your relationship with your partner. You can practice mindfulness anytime by tuning into your inner experience and paying attention to your feelings, thoughts, and sensations in the moment. By cultivating mindful practices for yourself, you will be better equipped to express your thoughts and feelings to your partner.

Using mindfulness techniques can help to slow things down and de-escalate conflict. When you find yourself in conflict with your partner, practice observing your emotions in the moment with nonjudgmental acceptance and curiosity. This openness can help you not only to become more accepting of your own experience, but in turn, to also become more accepting of your partner’s experience. Centering yourself will give you the chance to regulate your emotions and respond rather than react.

You can also practice mindfulness when spending quality time with your partner. Try to set aside technology and distractions so that you can be fully present in the moment with your partner and show that you value your time with them. When you press pause and focus on being fully present with them, you may notice increased gratitude for the simple moments together. This can help you to feel more emotionally connected in the moment. Mindfulness can also increase intimacy levels in your relationship, for example, you can practice paying attention to your feelings when cooking, cuddling, playing a game, or taking a walk together. Enhanced quality time and increased intimacy can help to grow your bond even stronger and increase your relationship satisfaction overall.

To learn more about practicing mindfulness in your relationship, contact one of our couples counselors by clicking here.