The recent pandemic has had a drastic impact on not just the physical health of individuals but also mental strain. The lockdown imposed around the globe has also affected numerous relationships in one way or the other.
Understandably, you might be struggling to spend time with your partner. Cabin fever is certainly real, and it can strain even the most loving and healthiest relationships. Being stuck together, relying only on each other as the only social support, while also juggling housework, child care, and working from home is enough to impact anyone’s mental health and relationships.
Fortunately, there are many ways that can help you manage your relationship in a healthy way during the pandemic. Here are some strategies to maintain a happy relationship during the pandemic:
Check-in With One Another Every Day
Planning meals and activities for the next day or week is crucial in following a routine during the lockdown to keep things normal. However, checking up on your partner every day is also a must. Your partner might be experiencing extreme emotions while juggling everything – let them know that you understand and you are there for support.
You can ask questions like:
- How was your day today?
- What are you thinking right now? What kind of emotions are you dealing with?
- Is there any way I can help?
- Are there any ways I can support you better?
Questions like these will help you and your partner deal with your emotions and find ways to deal with issues in a healthy way.
Be in Nature
Walking in your garden or a nearby park, working out together, or simply lazing around outside can be a powerful way of reducing stress and strengthening your connection. Staying active and spending time in nature, even for a few minutes, not only enhances your physical and mental health but improves your communication and bond.
Schedule Time Together
You might be thinking that you are already together in the house all the time, and there isn’t a need to schedule date nights or spend quality time like you used to before the lockdown. However, that is not the case.
While you might be at home together all day, you both are juggling with office work, housework, and kids, which is why it is integral that you set aside some time where you and your partner can relax and spend some much-needed time together. This can help in eliminating or reducing any frustration or stressful situations building up.
Don’t forget to have a few minutes of alone time as well. Giving each other some space is also healthy to maintain a happy relationship. When planning date nights, be sure to be creative and make an effort. Just because you are stuck at home doesn’t mean you can’t dress up for a romantic dinner on the terrace. Add a little bit of dancing, flaunt your favorite attire, cook a special meal, and have fun!
Widen the Support System
No matter how amazing and supportive your partner is, remember that they are just one individual with their own emotional and mental needs. Avoid leaning solely on them for support. Both of you should maintain your support system virtually, including your family, friends, and colleagues. This will help in giving one another some space and maintaining a healthy support system.
Regularly Practice Gratitude
The pandemic and the lockdown has been challenging for the entire world. You might be trying extremely hard to be the perfect partner, but it is okay to slip up once in a while. It is important that you do your best, be forgiving, and accepting of your partner and understand their needs, as well as your own.
Gratitude and appreciation can go a long way in maintaining a healthy relationship. Acknowledge the efforts your partner is making to make them feel seen and appreciated. While times are challenging, there is still so much to be thankful for. Focus on the positives to help you deal with the negatives. The more gratitude you show, the more you would appreciate your partner and your life.
Be More Expressive
You must take out time every day or even every week to improve your communication with your partner. It is essential to be expressive about your feelings and the emotions you are dealing with. Be sure to also share with your partner the things you are grateful for, what made you happy, and what things are challenging for you.
Most importantly, listen. Provide your partner with a safe space where they can express their feelings without being judged. This will help you in being calmer and growing closer to one another.
Keep in mind that the situation is bound to improve gradually, and you have a loving partner with you to help you go through this challenging time. It is crucial to make efforts to maintain your bond in healthy ways. If you still feel some strain and tension in your relationship, it is best to seek help from a professional therapist or counselor to help you both sort through the issues and maintain a healthy and happy relationship.
