Welcome To The Latest Issue Of Relationships Matter!

June Edition

Welcome to the Summer issue of Happy Relationships Matter! In this issue, you will read about some very powerful tips for improving your relationships and living a happier, more fulfilled life!!!

The Hamon Group, LLC hopes you have been having an enjoyable and productive spring! Those who have "Seasonal Affective Disorder" are surely enjoying the longer and warmer days, and all the wonderful sunshine. In this issue you'll find tips on how to keep your mood more positive and joyful. Thank you for reading our electronic newsletter.

THERAPEUTIC SERVICES

If you are in need of counseling and therapy, and you live in central Kentucky, please go to my website to learn more about my services. You may also sign up for Life Coaching services, if you prefer.

Our office is located in the Hamburg area of Lexington, Kentucky, and is very easy to get to. It is located near I-75 and I-64, and is close to all parts of the city.

We are accepting only a very few new clients for individual, couple or family sessions, and it takes two to three weeks to get on the schedule. We accept most types of insurance along with credit cards. You may want to call Austin or Ginny to inquire about available appointments. The office number is 859-264-1175. Here is this month's feature article . . .

How To Use Relationships To Boost Your Mood

The science of happiness tells us that relationships make us happy, among other things. A happy marriage, for instance, can boost your immune system and add seven to eight years to your life.

Relationships offer the opportunity for connection, which the human brain is wired to enjoy. We are social animals, and when we are unfulfilled socially we usually pay for it in various ways. A key to becoming happier is to tweak your relationships and make them work for you in more satisfying ways.

How? Find ways to give to others more, celebrate their successes and let them know you care. Express your affection for the people you care about. Let 'em know how you feel and your mood will improve, and depression will melt away.

Reaching out to new people in your life can help, too. If you have a new neighbor, go over and introduce yourself. Don't hold back. You and your new neighbor could become good friends and help each other in many ways.

I recommend a "bias for action," when it comes to relationships, so that you are taking initiative and being proactive. Rather than waiting around for others to come to you. The more we connect with others, the better we feel.

What about problem relationships? They matter too. And hidden in the hands of every problem is an opportunity in disguise. An opportunity to increase our happiness by improving a relationship that is not living up to its potential. You can re-invigorate a stalled relationship by doing a little soul-searching and asking yourself for a plan. How can you rekindle the bonds of friendship? What can you do to reach out to the other person and overcome past issues?

Since we're only as happy as the quality of our relationships, including the relationship with the self, it pays to invest time and energy into our relationships, and to take steps not to avoid them.

So breathe some new life into your relationships today, get reconnected with important people in your life and take steps to give your relationships the attention they need to thrive. You will, in turn, feel better and be happier.

Go for the gusto by giving and communicating more, and by following a bias for action in the social arena of your life. Guess what? You'll find your mood improving every step of the way.

How Addiction Warps The Brain

Scientific study has revealed how addiction affects the brain and sets us up for failure.

1. Drug use/abuse impairs brain functioning and makes the brain less flexible, increasing the difficulty in changing old habits.

2. The connections between brain cells become impaired and the brain's functioning breaks down; the receptors and synopses malfunction and the balance of chemicals and hormones is upset.

3. Drug and alcohol use impairs the brain's ability to learn, change and grow, and to make good decisions, minimizing the person's willingness and ability to improve his/her life.

Addiction is a powerful influence in a person's life, relationships, career and family. Many, many brain components and processes are damaged by addiction. If you are dealing with addiction of some kind, it would be wise to get some help. Often the addict is the last person to see how the addiction damages his/her life. Pharmacological treatment may also help restore flexibility and allow you to go ahead with positive changes.

Mindfulness Can Make You Happier and Healthier

Mindfulness has proven to benefit our health and happiness and, yes, relationships. What is mindfulness? In short, it is focusing on the present, free from distraction and judgement. I recommend a 15-minute daily mindfulness meditation to decrease stress, improve focus and feelings of well being.

How? Sit in a comfortable position on a chair, a mat or rug, close your eyes and listen to your breath. Follow the river of your breath, coming in and going out, and think of nothing else for a few minutes. You'll find yourself relaxing and letting go of stress.

Visualize one of your favorite places and imagine yourself being there, sitting by the ocean or swinging in an imaginary hammock, whatever you desire. If you get distracted by random thoughts, return to your breath and just soak up the awareness of how your breath flows like a river in and out, and all is peaceful in your world.

You may want to focus on a part of your body and check in with how it feels there. Notice sensations and a sense of calm and well being, sending waves of peace and contentment through the area, then your entire body.

The more deeply you focus on your breathing, the more relaxed you'll feel. Then let go of your breathing, and let yourself float in the joy of the moment, of simply sitting still and being in the NOW.

You will feel happier and healthier in no time.

See You Next Time

Well, that's it for now, folks. Stay tuned for the next issue!

Check out our exciting new developments and services. Have a great summer, and thanks for reading the relationship eZine! Let me know how I can help you with your relationships or other concerns.

Richard E. Hamon, LMFT Licensed Therapist Certified Coach Board Certified Supervisor

P.S. It's been a pleasure having you as a newsletter reader. Please let me know if you have any ideas or suggestions for future issues!!! Or if you need help with anything.

Ezine Articles

If you'd like to see some of my articles, feel free to run over to Ezinearticles.com, and look up my author's page.

Get the links below . . .