While maintaining a healthy relationship is no piece of cake even in ordinary times, the ongoing pandemic makes things much more difficult. With COVID-19 putting restrictions on free movement and social contact, many couples can possibly experience deep psychological stress combined with a lingering sense of boredom and detachment.
So, how do you ensure that your relationship thrives in these desperate times of lockdown too? Here are 3 simple strategies you should try out:
-
Be vocal about how you feel
Good communication has always been the key to a healthy relationship, and in the current situation, it has become a necessity. Being vocal about how you feel is a very good way to manage any anxiety or stress that may be plaguing your mind.
By talking to each other, you can mutually share all your burdens and ensure that neither of you are feeling isolated or overwhelmed by the situation. Moreover, the ability to explain your thoughts, feelings and needs to your partner can also help
create a fulfilling and trusting bond that you can cherish for the rest of your life.
-
Create space for yourself
Although most couples will agree that it is more challenging to live apart, being cooped up together inside a house for months on end can also bring it’s fair share of difficulties. So, it is essential that you designate a healthy space for yourself - a space that you can retreat to for some much needed relaxation and ‘away time’.
In addition to creating such a space for yourself, you should consciously make an effort to create a similar space for your partner too. Ultimately, having some alone time to focus on your own needs will go a long way in helping you relieve the varied stresses of life under lockdown.
-
Plan a lot of shared activities
Life can quickly become boring under lockdown, and before you even realize it, you might find that you and your partner have settled into a mundane routine. Your days can blend into one big, boring ‘pyjama fest’ if you are not careful. So, ensure that you spend some time together planning mutually-liked activities for the future.
Planning and conducting activities together will not only help you pass your time in a more entertaining and productive way, but also give you something to look forward to every day. Plan a date night, play online and board games, cook a fancy meal, binge on the latest sitcom, take up a new course or certification together - the choices are unlimited.
Conclusion
Life is indeed very strange these days, and close-knit relationships with your loved ones can be invaluable in helping you get through. So, whether you’re living in close quarters with your partner or having to live apart because of the COVID-19 situation, use the strategies mentioned here to make things more fun and manageable on a day-to-day basis.