For some
couples, being stuck inside together in their own little bubble for a few weeks
sounds like a dream come true. But for other couples, this could be their worst
nightmare. From what I hear, some couples quarantined together are already
losing their minds — and we’ve got a long way to go.
As we’re all being told to practice social distancing, and even in some cases,
being told not to leave the house at all unless for essential purposes, couples
are being quarantined together for an indefinite amount of time. If you’re
feeling stressed out about the impact of coronavirus on your relationship, know
that you’re not alone, and your nervous reaction to being quarantined with your
partner is normal.
Any sort of abrupt change takes a lot to adjust to, and when we’re all
navigating something unprecedented like COVID-19 in addition to then working
from home, and being around your significant other 24/7, it’s
a lot of change at once. There’s also so much uncertainty right now, and our
stress levels are high. So, being suddenly put in an apartment or house with
your partner 24/7, when you’re not used to that, with everything else, is a lot
to cope with.
In order to help you cope with all of these changes, here are some tips for
keeping your relationship intact when you’re quarantined with your partner.
1. Make time for alone time
Alone time every day is crucial. Everyone needs time by themselves and it can’t
just be when you use the bathroom. Take time to be alone whether that is to
just breathe, text with a friend, take a nap, read…whatever. The important
thing is to take time to be with you, yourself, and just you.Try to coordinate
timing with your partner, this way, when you’re having your alone time, your
partner can have theirs, too. You both need time apart from each other to
recharge and ensure that you don’t rip each other’s eyes out.
2. Create a schedule
Many people are struggling to keep a normal schedule right now, which is
unfortunate because most of us rely on schedules for a sense of stability.
Couples should sit down together and come up with a rough schedule to add some
structure and make things feel a little more normal. This is particularly
helpful for couples navigating working from home together for the first time or
being around each other a lot more than usual. You can also
use this time to set some general ground rules about noise or interruptions
when working.
3. Get fresh air
Yes, many of us are being ordered to stay inside our homes, but that doesn’t
yet mean we can’t take a walk. Getting outside will help your well-being and
help you not explode at your partner when things are tense. We as humans need fresh
air. Just keep the six feet rule in mind in order to stay away from those germy
respiratory droplets we’re all trying so hard to avoid. Being in nature can
reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
4. Stay in touch with the outside world
Unfortunately, during this time, it’s not possible to go out and see other
friends and family members. The whole point of social distancing is to avoid
the spreading of germs, and that only works when we all stay home. But, thanks
to technology, there are plenty of other ways to communicate with others. Don’t
neglect relationships with friends and loved ones who are not your partner.
Make sure that you have one to two calls, minimum, per day with other people is
helpful to your mental health and overall sanity and connection. Schedule video
chats or phone calls with at least one friend or family member per day. It’s
important to maintain your other relationships, even while you’re primarily
with your partner.
5. Learn how to communicate better
Communication is key in relationships all the time, but when you are
quarantined together 24/7, communication is even more important. Be empathetic,
and not engaging in minimizing, name calling, or shaming. We’re all going to
probably lose it for what feels like ‘no reason,’ we’re going to be rude or not
the best version of ourselves — and that’s okay. We need to give ourselves and
our partner(s) grace.
6. Use the time to your advantage
If you’re one of those couples who lives together but barely ever sees each
other due to conflicting schedules or social lives, now’s the time to
reconnect. Although it’s not ideal to be “trapped” at home, you can still make
the most of it and do fun things with your partner.
Here are some ideas:
- Play games together
- Spend extra time learning new things about each other
- Make lists of things you’ve been wanting to do together; circle the ones you can do at home
- Give each other massages
- Redecorate, clean, and make your home look amazing
Now is a time when the world — and your partner — needs more love than
ever. Everything is so uncertain and stressful right now, but if you follow
these tips and actively work on being the best partner you can be, you can be
certain that being quarantined together you won’t destroy your relationship —
it might actually bring you closer!
For further support & advice contact: https://eapassist.com.au/