Our ability to build and maintain positive personal and professional relationships is essential to becoming more yppah.

We're wired to connect to others from the time we’re babies. Sometimes, when we face challenges it's easy to withdraw from other people. However, if we build our connections with people, instead of withdrawing, it can positively impact our mental health.

Dealing with people can be difficult, even at the best of times. Remember that everyone has good and bad days, even those we respect and whose opinions we value, so try not to take things personally. On the flip side, it’s important to look at how we react and interact with others.

We all have different perspectives in any given situation so a good starting point is to listen. Understanding our own perspectives and those of others is important when managing relationships at work and home.

It's good to note that when you’re going through a hard time, positive relationships can:

• Offer you support

• Take your mind off things that are negative

• Help you feel less alone

Value the role positive relationships play in your life.

Try the tips in this section. Feel free to explore, comment, like and share.