Conflict is a natural part of human relationships. Whether it’s with our partners, family members, friends, or colleagues, disagreements will always arise.

While some conflicts can be resolved easily, others can drag on for a long time, leading to stress, anxiety, and even health hazards. Unfortunately, many of us tend to ignore or downplay day-to-day conflicts, thinking that they are not important enough to address. However, the truth is that ignoring conflicts can put our health and wellbeing at risk.

In this article, we’ll explore why ignoring day-to-day conflicts is a health hazard and what we can do to address them.

What Happens When We Ignore Day-to-Day Conflicts?

Conflicts, big or small, have an impact on our physical and mental health. Ignoring day-to-day conflicts can lead to the following health hazards:.

Stress and Anxiety

Ignoring conflicts can cause stress and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on our physical and mental health.

Studies have shown that unresolved conflicts can lead to increased levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, which can weaken our immune system, affect our memory and concentration, and increase our risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Depression

When we avoid conflicts, we may feel like we are not in control of our lives, which can lead to feelings of helplessness and depression.

Ignoring conflicts may also cause us to feel isolated and alone, which can further exacerbate our mental health issues.

Lowered Self-Esteem

When we don’t stand up for ourselves and express our needs and opinions, our self-esteem can take a hit. Over time, this can lead to feelings of unworthiness and a lack of confidence, which can affect every aspect of our lives and relationships.

Physical Health Problems

Studies have shown that unresolved conflicts can lead to physical health problems like headaches, back pain, and digestive issues. This is because stress and anxiety can cause our muscles to tense up, leading to pain and discomfort.

Poor Sleep Quality

When we are stressed and anxious due to unresolved conflicts, we may find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Poor sleep quality can further exacerbate our physical and mental health issues, leading to a vicious cycle of poor health.

How to Address Day-to-Day Conflicts

Addressing day-to-day conflicts can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve our relationships, and protect our health. Here are some strategies we can use to address conflicts:.

Communicate

Communication is key to resolving conflicts. Instead of ignoring a conflict, take the time to communicate with the other person. Express your feelings and listen to their perspectives. Try to find a solution that works for both parties.

Choose Your Battles

Not every conflict is worth addressing. Before you decide to address a conflict, consider whether it is important enough to pursue. Sometimes, it’s better to let small issues go and focus on the bigger picture.

Be Assertive

Being assertive means standing up for your rights and expressing your opinions in a respectful way. When we are assertive, we are more likely to resolve conflicts in a healthy and constructive way.

Seek Mediation

If you are unable to resolve a conflict on your own, consider seeking mediation. A mediator can help facilitate communication and find a solution that works for everyone involved.

Practice Self-Care

Dealing with conflicts can be stressful, so it’s important to practice self-care. Take care of yourself by getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in activities that you enjoy.

Conclusion

Ignoring day-to-day conflicts is a health hazard that can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, physical health problems, and poor sleep quality.

By learning how to address conflicts in a healthy and constructive way, we can reduce stress and protect our health. The strategies mentioned above can help us communicate effectively, be assertive, seek mediation, and practice self-care, all of which can improve our relationships and enhance our overall wellbeing.