Our Tips On Surviving Self-Isolation As A Couple

The Covid-19 pandemic is continuing to escalate globally and, with world leaders asking us to stay indoors and limit social contact to slow the spread of the virus, many of us are going to be confined to our homes for the foreseeable future. If you live with your partner, this probably means you’re going to be spending more time together now than ever before, which could put some added pressure on your relationship. In such uncertain times, you might be wondering how you can survive the pandemic as a couple. Here are our tips on how to navigate isolation together and get through it with your relationship still intact.

#1 Establish a routine

Establishing a routine can bring a sense of predictability to uncertain times and help reduce feelings of boredom and stress. Breaking your day up into manageable chunks can be particularly helpful if either or both of you are working from home and struggling to find a balance between work and home life. Set aside designated time slots for work, household chores and exercise, and don’t forget to schedule in quality time with your partner to make sure you’re spending time doing something together that isn’t just work or chores.

#2 Be accepting 

None of us have experienced this before, so we’re all going to have our own ways of coping. Maybe your partner doesn’t want to hear the news every day, while you prefer to get as many updates as possible on the situation. Keep in mind that there is no right or wrong way of dealing with this, and be respectful of your partner’s choices.

#3 Don’t expect perfection 

Understand that heightened feelings of stress and fear brought on by the current situation are likely to lead to conflict. Accepting that you and your partner will disagree on some things and that arguments are likely to happen more often right now will help to ease some of the pressure on you both. Remember to be forgiving and don’t be too hard on yourself or your partner.

#4 Be open about how you’re feeling

If the current situation is making you feel more anxious or emotional than usual, discussing this with your partner gives you an opportunity to let them know what they can do to help you feel better. Similarly, if your feelings of anxiety or fear are leading to irritability, letting your partner know that you’re feeling overwhelmed right now can help them to understand your behavior.

#5 Treat each other with kindness

Finally, remember to be kind. Listen to your partner’s feelings and do what you can to make the situation easier for them. Everyone is in need of some TLC right now, so don’t forget to tell your partner how much they mean to you and remind them that you’re there for them. Small gestures like doing the dishes or making dinner for your partner will go a long towards making them feel loved and appreciated.

Next up, Our Tips On Looking After Yourself During Isolation