Shataghnee Chanda
Do you ever feel that days are passing like days in the woods, full of endless tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities? In the indifference of life, it’s so easy to forget about who matters the most—our loved ones. But wait, here’s the catch: Is it really tough to spend some time with them, even a minute, who are the real agents of our happiness and well-being?
At The One Liner, our mantra is all about making every moment count and nurturing care in relationships that makes life worthy.
So in this article, let’s explore why finding time for closed ones is a must and how this can change not only relationships but your life as a whole?
Do you want to know the secret to a more fulfilling life and happiness? It isn’t in material success; it isn’t in getting everything on your to-do list. It’s what you get from those closest to you: love, support-it’s what keeps you grounded.Â
Loved ones should never feel like they are last in the list. Prioritising loved ones naturally interwoven into everything that you do. Thus, your loved ones and studies show that those who make time for family and friends are more resilient in hard times and have lower levels of stress.you-both live a happy life!
Prioritizing loved ones doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing your career! Is that not a fair reason to find the time for?
When we talk about time management for relationships, all we are asking to block few hours on your calendar. This means that little moments with family dinner or just calling a friend will build that foundation of love and trust.Â
Various research suggests that couples and families who place importance on scheduling quality time end up having stronger emotional bonds, improved communication, and even more robust mental health.
According to the American Psychological Association, individuals who invested in quality time with their family and friends reported being 12% happier than those who only look out for their own success.
Do you know how hard it really is to overcome conflict resolution in relationships when each individual feels heard and valued?Â
Conflict usually stems from misunderstandings or from being disconnected. In an attempt to grow with their respective relationships, time usually fosters a space to be open in communication to sort out a conflict before letting things get out of hand. That is why finding time for closed ones is a must.
Just checking in with your partner, friends or family members every now and then will make the small problems tend not to grow bigger. Tiny little gestures of expressions of thanks and gratitude strengthen the relationship even when there are hard times.
Communication is the backbone of any healthy relationship.Â
Most, however, suffer from communication barriers that separate them from their loving relationships. But there’s good news: spending intentional, quality time together is an awesome way of overcoming communication barriers.Â
It doesn’t matter whether you have a deeper conversation during your walk or a play-off dialogue while preparing dinner: quality time opens up channels for more authentic and meaningful interactions.
Harvard reports that couples who spend as little as 20 minutes talking about nonwork subjects strengthen their emotional bonds and end in fewer divorces.
Family is the first building block of any relationship. The way we look up and foster bonds with our family can build a strong relationship. Bonding together as a family not only make us full of love and security but also a place of belongingness that radiates love and care into every other section of our lives.Â
Probably one of the most classic ways of strengthening family bonds is shared activities—whether it is playing games at night, cooking together, or even just sitting down at meals. It need not have to be lavish; it should be what it was intended for—quality time.
We think of friends as just added bonuses to our world, but, in reality, research suggests that nurturing friendships is the key to lasting joy. Friendships aren’t just fun; they are part of what keeps us feeling loved and supported. They bring us new ideas, emotional support, and a little bit of much-needed laughter following a hard day.
In fact, researchers published work in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in which they found that having close friendships in your 30s was a better predictor of long-term happiness than even your income!
A 75-year study by Harvard University found out that it is close relationships, more than money or fame, that make people happy throughout their life. It’s proof that scheduling quality time matters and investing in loved ones is more than a good idea; it is necessary for a fulfilling life. Thus, the role of relationships in happiness is beyond your imagination.
At this point, I believe you have understood why finding time for closed ones is a must. We know that life is busy. Work and personal life tend to be as unpredictable as a high wire circus. But the difference here is this: we shouldn’t focus on 50/50 thinking.Â
Instead, think about it as an aggregate of conscious choices that show loved ones are prioritized. It doesn’t mean making sacrifices; you don’t have to give up your career. Balancing work and personal life is a key and it doesn’t cost anything but pays you with meanings in life!
Set aside time every week to spend with family and friends-it can be Sunday brunch or movie night. This will build and create the practice of nurturing friendships and family time rather than as an afterthought.
In other words, if you have been reading this far, you already know how much you need to spend some time with people close to you. Behind the screens of The One Liner, we believe the most beautiful moments in life occur when we are with our loved ones.Â
The next time you get caught up in the whirlwind of work, step back and remind yourself why finding time for closed ones is a must. Whether it is a 5-minute conversation or a weekend away, these moments are what will fill your life with the most wealth.
Now it’s your turn. Make this choice today to prioritize your loved ones above everything else, make good quality time with them, and nurture the relationships you enjoy. And waste no more precious time by spending it with people who have the smiling view towards you coming from their hearts.