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new
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, new you: reconnecting after the holidays by lauren labbé meher n ow that the holidays are winding down, there?s always a bit of nostalgia as the time has come to pack the ornaments and decorations away, tucking them neatly in boxes until next year. but just as feelings of love, joy, and hope can be found in the trappings of the holidays, we can also find the refreshing feeling of lightness and excitement as we anticipate the blank slate of the new year. we often spend the holidays hustling about, connecting with friends and loved ones who we might not get to see throughout the year, but what about our loved ones closest to home? sometimes the relationships that are the most meaningful to us, like relationships with our significant others, get put on the back burner during the holidays. now that the new year is here, we have some ideas to help you reconnect with your loved one and set your relationship on the right track for 2019. take a little time. it doesn?t take a lot of time to make meaningful connections. social worker ligia soileau suggests finding ways to meaningfully engage with your partner
. ?the ways to meaningfully engage with your partner may look different for everyone, but it can include simple kindnesses like sending a sweet midday text during the week or sitting together to talk about your day after the kids go to bed, instead of getting tangled in housework and projects,? says soileau. the important thing is that you look for ways to connect and take a little time every day. make a joint resolution. many new year?s resolutions involve getting healthier. studies show you are more likely to accomplish your resolution if you have an accountability partner to help you. why not make a joint resolution with your significant other to exercise regularly or train for a local race? you?re sure to strengthen your connections with your partner while training, and your body will be getting stronger, too! a few upcoming races in baton rouge include the louisiana marathon (thelouisianamarathon.com) and the mardi gras mambo (runmambo.com). start an appreciation journal. social worker kelley massengale suggests keeping a notebook and writing one thing each day to your partner, telling him something that you appreciate about him. it can be something that he has done, or just something about who he is. massengale says, ?it?s more meaningful when you write it down, and use the same notebook, so that you have a record as a couple. there may be days where it is nice to sit together and reflect.? create a new routine. we are creatures of habit, and it is so easy to fall into the same old routine. decide what is important to you in 2019, and take some time to fit a new routine into your life. are you trying to eat more healthy? get into the habit of visiting the farmer?s market with your significant other once a week. have breakfast together at the red stick farmers market (breada. org), then bring home some farm-fresh vegetables to cook together. you?ll freshen up your kitchen as well as your weekend routine, while spending quality time with your partner. 9 4 b r p a r e n t s . c o m | j a n u a r y 2 0 1 9
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