Relationships. This is what research is showing us: “People who work on their relationships and stay in relationships are happier”, explains Dr. Waldinger in summarizing the Harvard Study of Adult Development that followed more than 700 men from 1938 until now. The research found that:

Here are some tools to help manage the uncomfortable sensations and thoughts that accompany anxiety. 1. Acknowledge and accept your anxiety. Fighting and judging your anxiety will only increase your discomfort and distress. Allowing the sensations of anxiety while telling yourself that, “this is in fact okay”, may seem counterintuitive but worth a try. Breathe and notice that you are okay regardless of the discomfort. Do not hesitate to seek professional help for anxiety therapy, and try implementing some Stress Relief Tips whenever you can.

Few good decisions or actions come as a result of guilt. It’s not a desirable emotion and is definitely something we’d like to avoid. Perhaps this is because we don’t feel a twinge of guilt, instead it’s a sensation akin to a blow to the gut or a very heavy yoke on our shoulders. Learning how to identify guilt-causing situations and respond in ways to prevent guilt is an important skill to build in order to avoid the discomfort.

There is a story in Greek mythology about a mighty wrestler named Antaeus. The half-giant son of Poseidon and the earth goddess Gaia, Antaeus would challenge anyone who passed by to a wrestling match. He would defeat and kill every opponent, and would add their skulls to the temple he had built in honour of his father.