Relationships are an essential part of our lives. Science has shown that they are vital for our emotional, mental and physical well-being and that being socially connected forms a key part of our happiness and satisfaction. However, it can be challenging to manage and sustain relationships with family, friends, romantic partners and even ourselves among the chaos of our busy lives. Packed full of expert guidance, inside we take a look at how to build better relationships, why we feel shy, and how to handle difficult conversations. We also explore how to boost your self-esteem, reverse negative thought patterns, and why it is important to take time for yourself.
WELCOME TO Understanding Relationships • BUILD BETTER CONNECTIONS & TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE
Social ANIMALS • Edoardo Albert explains how human bonding, interactions and relationships are key to our development
LOVE OR LUST
DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
Build BETTER relationships • You may not have the ability to change other people but you do have the power to improve your relationship with them
WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP
CHILD’S PLAY
A FRIEND INDEED
WHAT MAKES US shy? • Being shy can impact the way we live our lives, but is it a trait that can be overcome? Or do we need to learn to embrace our shyness?
SOCIAL ANXIETY
5 WAYS TO OVERCOME SHYNESS
Top 10 SELF-ESTEEM HACKS • Aimee Longos reveals some simple strategies for improving your self-esteem and generating a positive mindset
DEVELOP A positive BODY IMAGE • How do you feel about your body? Transformational coach Alison Morgan uncovers the power of gaining a fresh perspective of yourself
WRITE DOWN ALL THE THINGS YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR BODY
MAKE Me-time A MUST-DO • Feeling frazzled? By making a small amount of time for yourself, you’ll be instantly refreshed – and happier
FIND YOUR mantra • Focus your mind and learn how to reverse negative thought patterns by repeating powerful phrases
TRY THESE POWER PHRASES DURING YOUR DAY
WHY WE SHOULD ALL BE MORE Selfish • Putting yourself first has more benefits to you and even the people around you than you might realise
WHY DON’T WE PLAY MORE? • It’s time to embrace our inner child and bring more playfulness into our lives! And in the process, give our health and relationships a boost
HOW DOES PLAY PROMOTE LEARNING?
IDEAS TO TRY
Set yourself FREE OF THE PAST • When you liberate yourself from the ties that bind you, you’ll never look back…
THE Courage TO BE VULNERABLE • How can we embrace vulnerability to live more fulfilling lives?
VULNERABILITY IS NOT…
SHAME ON YOU
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
UNDERSTANDING Jealousy • The green-eyed monster is an unruly beast. Here’s how to recognise it, tame it and sometimes use it to your advantage
JEALOUSY VS ENVY
WORKING WITH JEALOUSY
WALKING IN Someone ELSE’S SHOES • What is empathy and why is it so important to our own and others’ wellbeing?
US AND THEM
Learning TO TRUST • Trust is a powerful emotion that builds relationships and connections, but our lived experiences feed into our ability to trust
5 WAYS TO BUILD TRUST • If you want to develop trust in a new relationship or friendship, try these top tips.
WHY Conflict CAN BE GOOD FOR YOU • Do you do everything possible to avoid confrontation? It could be harming your health and your relationships
KEEPING YOUR COOL IN THE MOMENT • Expert tips for healthy conflict resolution – whatever the situation. Try LASER focus (Listen, Ask, Speak, Ensure, Restore) during a conflict situation, say Jonathan and Dr Andrea.
THE GIFT OF Compassion • Many of us find it hard to treat ourselves with the...
