Motivational Tips for Hard Conversations
There may come a time when you need to talk to a friend or loved one about their high blood pressure. This can be a hard conversation, so prepare yourself with these motivation tips:
Select each item for more information.
Like, “Tell me about your plans to manage your blood pressure over time. What do you do to track your blood pressure?”
Ask open-ended questions
Like, “Tell me about your plans to manage your blood pressure over time. What do you do to track your blood pressure?”
Say, “Change can be hard, but small lifestyle changes that you maintain over time can have a huge impact on your health.”
Express empathy
Say, “Change can be hard, but small lifestyle changes that you maintain over time can have a huge impact on your health.”
Ask permission to talk about their health, especially if you’re in a public space. People’s health can be a very personal and sensitive subject.
Be curious and nonjudgmental
Ask permission to talk about their health, especially if you’re in a public space. People’s health can be a very personal and sensitive subject.
Talking about changing ingrained habits is hard. People can be hesitant to change. Talk about the pros and cons of any behavior changes you’ve made.
Expect some hesitancy
Talking about changing ingrained habits is hard. People can be hesitant to change. Talk about the pros and cons of any behavior changes you’ve made.
It’s perfectly OK to disagree. Talking about high blood pressure does not mean you have to agree on anything. Ask them how they manage stress in their life.
Avoid arguments
It’s perfectly OK to disagree. Talking about high blood pressure does not mean you have to agree on anything. Ask them how they manage stress in their life.
Remember that this is a conversation about behavior changes. Ask questions to better understand the person’s perspective and why they may be resistant.
Roll with resistance
Remember that this is a conversation about behavior changes. Ask questions to better understand the person’s perspective and why they may be resistant.
Let them know that you believe in them by saying, “I believe in you! You can make these changes to help manage your blood pressure and overall health.”
Let them know you believe in their ability to make the necessary changes
Let them know that you believe in them by saying, “I believe in you! You can make these changes to help manage your blood pressure and overall health.”