By Rachael Pace
For many couples, being under lockdown during the COVID-19 crisis will be one of the biggest tests of relationship management they will ever face.
Being in tight quarters for days with no resolution to a lockdown in near sight is going to have couples on edge.
They may be overwhelmed with anxiety over the supply shortages, social distancing, or loss of income. And the more stress builds, the harder it will be on your relationship. That's why it's so important to make a relationship management part of your coronavirus quarantine plan.
Here are 6 tips on how to manage your relationship in tight quarters and come out stronger on the other side of the 2020 lockdowns.
1. How do you feel about COVID-19?
It's pretty safe to say 100% of the human population feels horrible about it, but it's still important to talk to your partner about how you feel about the pandemic.
Are you someone who is feeling intense anxiety over the thought of getting the virus? Are you scared about your income and how you're going to pay your bills? Worried about the economy? Bored?
If so, you're not alone! But it can be extremely frustrating if you and your spouse aren't on the same page about the pandemic. Perhaps you're scrubbing the house top to bottom with disinfectants while your spouse is lax about washing their hands after returning home from the grocery store.
You and your spouse must keep the lines of communication open and find a way to respect each other's desires about how to handle the virus.
2. Adjust your attitude
Part of your relationship management plan should be to learn how to handle your negative feelings.
There are many unknowns in the future right now, which can leave couples feeling helpless and frustrated. That's why part of your relationship management plan should be to learn how to handle negative feelings during COVID-19.
When under stress, we tend to take our frustrations out on our partner (which is a lot easier to do when you're cooped up with them 24/7 during lockdowns)
This may feel like a good form of stress relief while you're in the moment, but all this will do in the long run is hurt your relationship.
Keep your relationship healthy with an attitude adjustment. Keep reminding yourself that your spouse is your partner, not your enemy. You guys are in this together.
3. Take care of your mental health
The coronavirus is certainly throwing everything it has at our mental health: loss of jobs? Check! Stuck inside with your spouse for days on end? Check! Crippling depression? Check! Canceled plans/vacations/outings for the year? Check, check, check!
There is no doubt that COVID-19 is pushing our mental health to the brink, so don't be afraid to reach out if you feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or depression during COVID-19. There are many apps and online venues where you can chat with a licensed counselor. Take advantage of these resources during this difficult time. Talking to someone besides your partner can help you find peace.
Taking care of your mental health also means maintaining peace between you and your spouse. Now is not the time to nitpick or start unnecessary arguments. Maintaining a positive attitude toward your partner will help keep your mental health in tip-top shape.
4. Give each other space
Even the happiest of couples need to take some time apart now and again, and being under lockdown doesn't change that.
Make private time a priority while under lockdown. Listen to an audiobook, practice your favorite hobbies, or make a Zoom date with your best friends. Taking time for yourself will help you to feel centered and stable during this crazy time in history.
5. Try and have fun
Your spouse's quirks and habits may not be seeming so cute anymore after two weeks on lockdown, so how can you focus on relationship management when your partner is driving your absolutely nuts?
Focus on fun.
Good relationship management should have you and your spouse connecting as lovers and as friends during lockdown, and one of the biggest reasons you hang out with your friends is to have fun together. Gurus providing guidance on relationship blogs also confirm that fun is an integral part of a strong bonding.
Make fun date nights at home with your spouse. Do things that keep you active and boost dopamine and oxytocin. You can try starting a new project together, watching funny videos/laughing, or having different types of game nights (card, board, video) together.
Making fun a priority in your relationship will help relieve stress, banish cabin fever, and keep you and your spouse happy and healthy while under lockdown.
6. Make intimacy a priority
Sex feels great, improves trust, and is a great way to pass the time during a lockdown, but there are many other reasons explained by the relationship expert why you should have an active sex life and make it a part of your COVID-19 relationship management plan.
Research found that couples who were sexually active felt physical intimacy was a strong predictor of not only loving but liking their partner.
This is an excellent takeaway in favor of having more sex during a lockdown!
You may love your partner, but after days on end being in close quarters with them, you may not be too crazy about their personality, so by getting physical, you are boosting both physical and emotional intimacy. Sexual activity was also shown to boost overall relationship satisfaction between married couples.
Being under lockdown is a trying time, but if you let it, it can be made easier with your loving partner at your side. Learn how to communicate through your frustration, find ways to have fun together, and pay close attention to your mental health. That is what will keep your relationship strong during the COVID-19 crisis.
Author Bio:
Rachael is a noted writer currently associated with Marriage.com. She provides inspiration, support, and empowerment in the form of her motivational articles and essays. Rachael enjoys studying about today's evolving forms of loving partnerships and is passionate about writing on all types of romantic connections. She believes that everyone should make room for love in their lives and encourages couples to work on overcoming their challenges together.
