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Couples with relationships rich in rituals and traditions are able to create shared meaning, the top level of the Sound Relationship House.
Daily rituals shape our lives in positive ways
In The Power of Habit, author Charles Duhigg explains that habits are crucial to success in all realms of … View moreCouples with relationships rich in rituals and traditions are able to create shared meaning, the top level of the Sound Relationship House.
Daily rituals shape our lives in positive ways
In The Power of Habit, author Charles Duhigg explains that habits are crucial to success in all realms of our life. Overall, they make us more productive and healthier. In a relationship, Dr. Gottman calls these habits rituals of connection.
Here are five rituals to help your relationship thrive.
1. Eat meals together without screens
It may not be possible to do this for every meal, but whenever possible, turn off the TV and put away your cell phone. Your emails and Facebook feed can wait.
2. Have a stress-reducing conversation
Spend 30 minutes each day having a “how was your day, dear?” talk. Kyle Benson explains that the purpose of this conversation is to discuss external stress. It’s not a time to bring up issues about your relationship. Couples who actively listen, take turns sharing how they feel, and show compassion to each other will reap the rewards of more emotional connection in their marriage.
3. Take a holiday
Take an annual vacation without the kids to somewhere you both agree upon. Drs. John and Julie Gottman have an annual honeymoon in the San Juan Islands off the coast of British Columbia. If your budget doesn’t allow you to take a vacation, you might try camping or looking for moderately priced accommodations nearby for a long weekend.
4. Exercise together
Go biking together every Saturday morning or take a daily post-dinner walk with your partner. Add a little novelty and excitement by trying kayaking in the summer or cross country skiing in the winter months. Studies show that sharing an exciting experience can bring couples closer together.
5. Share a six-second kiss
A daily six-second kiss will increase your emotional and physical intimacy. According to author Dr. Kory Floyd, physical contact releases oxytocin (the bonding hormone), can improve our mood (for days), and can help you stay calm. Holding hands, hugging, touching, and making out can reduce your stress hormones (cortisol) and increase your sense of relationship satisfaction.
Never underestimate the power of intentional time with your partner. Doing fun things together like singing in the shower or riding a bike can bring joy and laughter. Telling jokes, watching funny movies, or anything else that brings you both pleasure can ignite passion and keep you connected.
Dr. John Gottman suggests that couples commit to a magic six hours a week together, which includes rituals for saying goodbye in the morning and reuniting at the end of the day. Sticking to these rituals will help you to reconnect when life gets in the way.
Our Monarch Butterfly is under threat and this National Gardening Week Kiwis are being called upon to plant butterfly friendly plants to help save the caterpillars when they hatch in Spring and Summer.
Last year saw a national shortage of Swan plants, the main diet of Monarch caterpillars, … View moreOur Monarch Butterfly is under threat and this National Gardening Week Kiwis are being called upon to plant butterfly friendly plants to help save the caterpillars when they hatch in Spring and Summer.
Last year saw a national shortage of Swan plants, the main diet of Monarch caterpillars, causing a large number of the population to be wiped out.
Yates is getting behind the drive to avert a similar crisis this year by giving away various free butterfly friendly seeds including Yates new Butterfly Field Mix seeds between 1st and 14th October. Just register here during this time to receive your packet of seeds.
A national planting day will be held on 20th October. Plant a Swan plant or other butterfly friendly plants in your garden, in your neighbour’s garden, at school, in your local community garden – and let’s help Monarch butterflies flourish.
National Gardening Week aims to foster a love of gardening with a focus on growing not only plants but friendships, good health, strong communities and closer connections with nature.
Did you know each minute without CPR reduces survival by 10%? The Goodsam app aims to get help to you faster by alerting good samaritans nearby who are trained in first aid.
If you are CPR certified and know how to use an AED, register as a responder today. Let's give those undergoing cardiac… View moreDid you know each minute without CPR reduces survival by 10%? The Goodsam app aims to get help to you faster by alerting good samaritans nearby who are trained in first aid.
If you are CPR certified and know how to use an AED, register as a responder today. Let's give those undergoing cardiac arrest the best chance of survival!
#NSNZemergencypreparedness
Looking for a sewing machine to be donated to Masonic Home in Woburn. Thanks in advanced.
Hello Wellington, with the festive season fast approaching we want to help you take the hassle out of catering your social events. We have platters to suit any occasion. To view our platters, click here.
We are offering our boxed platters for $100 and 10% off all other platters if you mention … View moreHello Wellington, with the festive season fast approaching we want to help you take the hassle out of catering your social events. We have platters to suit any occasion. To view our platters, click here.
We are offering our boxed platters for $100 and 10% off all other platters if you mention the code word 'Neighbourly'. We look forward to hearing from you.
Place your order online or call us on 027 PLATTER.
Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Have no stress worrying about food for your event, we do it all for you!
Contact us for a quote now.
Residential garden watering restrictions are now in place and will be for the duration of daylight saving months (30 September 2018-7 April 2019) in Lower Hutt, Porirua and Wellington. Upper Hutt garden watering restrictions apply all year round.
These restrictions allow for the use of:
- A single… View moreResidential garden watering restrictions are now in place and will be for the duration of daylight saving months (30 September 2018-7 April 2019) in Lower Hutt, Porirua and Wellington. Upper Hutt garden watering restrictions apply all year round.
These restrictions allow for the use of:
- A single watering system (sprinkler, irrigation system, soaker hose, or unattended hose) between 6-8am and 7-9pm.
- On allocated watering days:
o Even-numbered houses on even dates of the month (2nd, 4th, 16th etc.)
o Odd-numbered houses on odd dates of the month (1st, 3rd, 11th etc.)
These are base-level restrictions that apply every year, and can be increased depending on demand and supply around the region.
“It can seem a bit early to be introducing watering restrictions, but it’s never too early to get in the habit of watching every drop,” says Alex van Paassen, Wellington Water’s manager for community engagement.
“We rely on rivers and the Waiwhetu Aquifer for our regular water supply, and conditions can change quickly. While we do have the Te Marua storage lakes as back-up, these have to get us through the whole summer, and if we have another hot dry season like last year, we may need to increase restrictions.”
“If we all do our bit to reduce our demand, it will ease pressure on our supply and storage.”
For tips on how to conserve water as we enter the summer months check out: www.wellingtonwater.co.nz...
Hi neighbours,
You won't be able to find plastic straws in Countdown stores from October 1 - they're off the shelves! To read more, click here.
Countdown is removing them from all stores and replacing them with a range of alternatives including bamboo, metal and paper straws.
The … View moreHi neighbours,
You won't be able to find plastic straws in Countdown stores from October 1 - they're off the shelves! To read more, click here.
Countdown is removing them from all stores and replacing them with a range of alternatives including bamboo, metal and paper straws.
The supermarket's move is expected to remove 11.6 million straws from circulation and the waste stream each year. WOW.
Do you think other NZ supermarkets should follow suit?
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