Rebuilding after the 2025 LA wildfires is no easy feat. As disaster relief workers and community responders, your dedication is at the heart of helping neighborhoods recover, heal, and rebuild. Amid the emotional toll, financial strain, housing instability, and complex regulations, it’s natural for stress to seep into our personal lives. In times like these, staying connected with your spouse, family, and friends is essential. Strong relationships help you stay grounded, supported, and resilient through the long road ahead. Below are 8 tips to building healthy relationships:
Practice Open, Honest Communication
- What to do:
- Share how you’re doing, even if it’s brief. If you’re too tired to talk, say so. Let people know when you’re available and when you’re not.
- Why it matters:
- Clear, honest communication prevents misunderstandings and builds trust during high-stress periods.
- Tip:
- Send a quick message like: “Today was intense. I’m wiped out, but thinking of you.” You don’t need a long conversation to show others you care.
Express Your Emotions Without Shame
- What to do:
- Let yourself feel and name emotions like frustration, grief, or exhaustion. You don’t have to stay strong 24/7.
- Why it matters:
- Bottled-up emotions can lead to burnout or emotional distance. Being open builds trust and helps you process stress.
- Tip:
- Say something like: “That hit me harder than I thought.” You don’t need advice, just space to say it out loud.
Set and Communicate Boundaries
- What to do:
- Let people know when you need time alone to decompress. Be clear, not cold, and explain it’s about recovery not avoidance.
- Why it matters:
- Healthy boundaries protect your energy and reduce the risk of tension in relationships.
- Tip:
- Try saying: “I need an hour to reset. I’ll check in after.” A little context prevents confusion or hurt feelings.
Make Time for Connection, Even Briefly
- What to do:
- Use small windows of time to connect. Even a few minutes can help maintain relationships when longer visits aren’t possible.
- Why it matters:
- Consistent, small moments of closeness keep relationships strong when life is overwhelming.
- Tip:
- Send a voice memo, a photo, or a quick check-in like: “Thinking of you.” It makes a difference and shows that you care.
Show Gratitude to Your Support System
- What to do:
- Thank your loved ones for their support, even if it’s something they’ve done a hundred times before.
- Why it matters:
- Feeling appreciated motivates people to keep showing up for you and deepens emotional connection.
- Tip:
- Say: “Thanks for being there. I know I haven’t said it enough lately.” It doesn’t have to be fancy, a little appreciation goes a long way.
Handle Conflict with Care
- What to do:
- When conflict happens, pause. Reflect. Take ownership of your part. Then reconnect when things are calmer.
- Why it matters:
- Repairing tension quickly prevents resentment and strengthens long-term trust.
- Tip:
- Try this: “I’m sorry I was short earlier. I’m running low, but I don’t want to push you away.” That small repair matters.
Share the Purpose Behind Your Work
- What to do:
- Let your loved ones in on why this work matters to you. Talk about what keeps you going, even when it’s hard.
- Why it matters:
- It helps your family or partner feel included and connected to your mission, not just left behind by it.
- Tip:
- Say: “Helping this family reminded me why I’m out here.” Let them feel the purpose with you.
Make Room for Joy and Lightness
- What to do:
- Give yourself permission to laugh, rest, and enjoy small moments, even during intense periods of work.
- Why it matters:
- Joy is fuel. It restores energy and helps you reconnect with your humanity and with others.
- Tip:
- Watch a show together, share a joke, or celebrate a small win like: “We finished a whole block today. It felt good.” That joy is part of healing and bonding too.