Navigating Emotional Wellness: A Conversation with Aubrey-Dawn Palmer

@aubsiedawn

Emotional wellness plays a crucial role in our overall well-being, shaping how we navigate relationships, handle stress, and build meaningful connections. In honor of Valentine's Day, we wanted to explore emotional wellness beyond romantic relationships, focusing on all types of connections that enrich our lives.To gain deeper insight, we spoke with Aubrey-Dawn Palmer, a Family Life Educator specializing in adolescent development and healthy relationships. Through her work, she helps teens and parents cultivate emotional health and strong relationships. Here’s what she had to say.

Q: How do healthy relationships contribute to our overall emotional well-being and why is this important for mental health? 

Aubrey-Dawn: We are biologically driven to connect with others. Research shows that isolation negatively impacts mental health, often linking loneliness to substance use and mental illness. Strong relationships support emotional health, but it’s a two-way street—when our emotional health suffers, our relationships are affected, and vice versa. It’s critical to maintain supportive connections because we heal in collaboration.

Q: What is a common misconception about emotional health and relationships that people often overlook? 

Aubrey-Dawn: One misconception is that romantic relationships should always feel passionate and effortless. Many couples don’t talk about what romance means to them, leading to disappointment when they feel they’ve “fallen out of love.” In reality, love requires effort. Another misconception is that we don’t need to communicate expectations. Whether in romantic, familial, or work relationships, unspoken expectations often lead to conflict. Identifying and verbalizing them is key.

Q: How can people nurture and maintain emotionally supportive relationships throughout their lives?

 Aubrey-Dawn: Healthy relationships start with us. Self-awareness and ownership of our strengths and weaknesses help us show up authentically in relationships. Gratitude also plays a big role—it fosters appreciation and recognition, whether at work, in friendships, or within families. Feeling seen and valued strengthens our emotional well-being and bonds with others.

Q: What small daily habits can people incorporate to foster emotional health and mutual support?

 Aubrey-Dawn: Express gratitude often, even for small things. If you notice someone’s effort, acknowledge it. Also, engage in meaningful check-ins—ask your loved ones how they truly feel. In romantic relationships, simple gestures like sending a flirty text or learning how your partner prefers to receive love can strengthen connection. Lastly, focus on self-care. You can’t pour into others if your own well-being is depleted.

Q: How do you balance prioritizing personal emotional wellness while also being present for your partner or loved ones? 

Aubrey-Dawn: Balance looks different for everyone, but communication is essential. My husband and I set specific nights for individual and couple time, adjusting as needed. Setting expectations early and maintaining flexibility helps navigate life changes. Families and couples who establish rituals, like regular date nights or check-ins, tend to thrive long-term.

Q: What’s your number one piece of advice for strengthening any relationship—family, friends, or colleagues? 

Aubrey-Dawn: See people for who they truly are, not just who you assume them to be. Relationships require ongoing curiosity and engagement. Even in long-term relationships, continue asking questions and learning about the other person. Also, don’t be afraid to communicate when you feel unseen. Voicing your needs can lead to deeper connection and understanding.

Q: How can people keep meaningful connections alive, especially when life gets busy?

 Aubrey-Dawn: If it’s not scheduled, it probably won’t happen. Being intentional is key. Whether it’s a date night, a family dinner, or a quick check-in with a friend, making time for relationships ensures they don’t get lost in the chaos of life. Even small, creative moments—like doing an at-home escape room date or having a deep conversation during a late-night baby feeding—can be meaningful.

Q: What are some small but meaningful ways to show appreciation in relationships? 

Aubrey-Dawn: Physical touch can be powerful—whether it's a 13-second hug or a six-second kiss, these moments release oxytocin, strengthening trust and connection. Beyond that, simple daily resets can be impactful. If you greet a loved one with stress instead of warmth, pause and start over. Saying, “I’m happy to see you,” instead of jumping into logistics, shifts the energy in a relationship. Practicing grace for yourself and others allows space for imperfection and growth.

Emotional wellness is deeply intertwined with the quality of our relationships. By cultivating self-awareness, expressing gratitude, and fostering open communication, we can build emotionally supportive connections that enhance our overall well-being. Aubrey-Dawn’s insights remind us that relationships—romantic or not—flourish with intentionality and care.

What small step will you take today to nurture your emotional wellness and connections?