This Communication Tactic Could Be The Key To Saving Your Marriage. Here's What You Need To Know

The relationship-boosting properties of mindfulness and meditation are hard to argue with, and here's why: One of the side effects of having a regular mindfulness practice is the ability to communicate with your partner at a higher level thanks to your ability to be present. Undivided attention is one of the most important elements of a romantic partnership, and the ability to be truly present is the greatest gift you can give your partner.

For example, positive psychologist Shelly Gable, Ph.D., studied the human response to good news. She found that there are four different levels of response when someone is communicating. Let's use fictional romantic partners Leah and Joe as an example to help demonstrate this. In this scenario, Leah just came home from work and excitedly tells Joe she got a promotion.

Joe says, "Good job" without taking his eyes off the TV, ignoring eye contact and continuing to enjoy the television program.

Joe says, "Good job" and then excitedly tells Leah that he also received a huge job promotion.

Joe says, "Good job," speaks about all the change that will happen in her life, and asks how will she manage her new staff, commute, and job tasks. He questions whether she really thinks the promotion is a good thing.

Joe says, "Good job," offers Leah his attention and eye contact, and continues to show interest through active listening as Leah shares the details of her new job.

Response rank: This is the healthiest, most mindful way to converse and respond to your partner. The fully engaged response and attentive interest lead to stronger and healthier relationships.

Note: It's best to practice this first thing in the morning or before going to sleep at night.

Partner one will start by sitting on a chair or on a bed while partner two sits in partner one's lap, stomach to stomach, in a straddle position. Partner one will wrap their arms around partner two's waist, while partner two relaxes into partner one's holding posture.

Slowly, partner one will begin rocking partner two back and forth while partner one inhales and exhales at a steady pace. The breaths will sync up naturally. Hold this practice for three minutes or more, and switch rocking roles once completed.

When humans hold each other, they release oxytocin, a feel-good neurotransmitter that increases the level of trust and understanding we feel in a relationship. This meditation will release oxytocin, increasing the level of connection between you and your partner, making for a stronger, more mindful relationship.