In a Long-Distance Relationship? 7 Tips To Maintain Your Mental And Emotional Health

We got in touch with Lipika Jain, Co-founder, Saanjh, for expert insights on how to stay emotionally grounded in long-distance love. She says, “Our partner’s perceived behaviour becomes a reflection on us, leading us to rule them out of the conversation. This in turn becomes the loneliness in relationships, which becomes toxic if projected on our partners to own it.”

7 Tips To Maintain Mental And Emotional Health In Long Distance Relationships

1. Understand What You're Feeling

Before anything else, try to ask yourself - ‘Why am I feeling this way?’, ‘Is it sadness, loneliness, or something deeper?’ According to Lipika Jain, “The answer often lies in ourselves. This helps us to arrive at the particular issue that has been bugging us, enabling us to address it in subsequent steps.” This kind of emotional check-in helps you identify the core of your feelings and address them more effectively.

2. Recognise Repeating Emotional Patterns

Lipika Jain shared, “We must remind ourselves to track similar events of the past. If something has happened today, it has happened before - albeit on a smaller scale since we do not feel new emotions. This brings to our awareness that we are operating in a pattern. Then comes the question, ‘How did we form the pattern in the first place?’”

3. Challenge The Beliefs That Hold You Back

In long-distance relationships, it’s common to feel like no one really understands you. But is that a new feeling or something you’ve believed for a long time? Often, these beliefs start in childhood or past relationships. Lipika Jain explains. “If we look deeper, we will find that we have been manifesting this belief irrespective of relationships all our lives. Through belief, reality is created and if it does take place, we become unstable on a belief that does not happen.” Recognising your beliefs helps you shift your mindset and avoid emotional spirals.

4. Communicate Mindfully, Not Constantly

It’s easy to think that talking all day is the key to staying close. But in reality, what matters more is quality over quantity. Talking every hour isn’t the goal but being present and intentional is.

Find a routine that works for both of you like a good morning text, a short call during lunch, or a video call at night. Being consistent helps build trust, but it’s also important to give each other space. Mindful communication helps reduce stress and sets healthy boundaries, which are essential for emotional stability.

5. Be Honest About Your Feelings

If you’re feeling anxious, sad, or overwhelmed, say it. Keeping things bottled up only adds pressure. Talk openly about what’s bothering you or what you miss. When you express your feelings, you make room for support and understanding from your partner. It’s okay to not be okay sometimes, vulnerability brings closeness.

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6. Prioritise Your Own Mental Health

Loving someone far away shouldn’t mean losing yourself. A healthy relationship starts with a healthy you. Make time for things that bring you joy whether it’s reading, exercising, pursuing hobbies, or spending time with friends. When you feel mentally and physically strong, it’s easier to manage the ups and downs of a long-distance relationship.

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7. Don’t Compare Your Relationship

It’s easy to look at other couples, especially those who live nearby, and feel like you’re missing out. But every relationship is unique, and comparison only creates unnecessary pressure. What works for one couple may not suit yours, especially when distance is involved. Focus on your own rhythm, your own love language, and what brings you both joy.

Also, one major stressor in long-distance relationships is not knowing when you’ll see each other next. Having a clear plan whether it’s a trip in a few months or a long-term move - gives both partners something to look forward to.

Taking care of your mental and emotional health isn’t just good for you but it’s essential for keeping your relationship strong too.

For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi.

Image credit: Freepik