The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most stressful events in recent history, and it has affected people’s lives in many ways. One of the most striking is how it has affected relationships.
Because of the outbreak, couples have had to make sacrifices for their time together and manage their work schedules differently. It can be hard to find the right balance between protecting yourself and your family and maintaining a normal life. Plus, the strict lockdown conditions made it difficult for couples to have a good time together which created uncertainty among couples.
According to the United Kingdom’s largest family law firm, divorce rates have increased significantly during the pandemic. The same firm also reported a 95% increase in divorce inquiries (especially from women) during the pandemic. Relationships issues are not only affecting married couples but also partners who may not be married, such as friends and roommates.
The reasons for these divorces vary from person to person, but there are some tips that you can use to help manage your relationship during this difficult time.
Seek Professional Help – To Better Manage the Issues
Seeking professional help is a great way to better understand the problems that you’re facing so that you can effectively manage them.
However, the strict lockdown conditions ensuing from the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult for couples to access in-person therapists. Thus, many couples resorted to telehealth. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many couples used Google by hitting the query, “Find a therapist near me” to get more information about the available nearby therapists.
In fact, many couples found telehealth equally effective as in-person sessions. According to Jeanine Turner, Ph.D., a professor of communication, culture, and technology at Georgetown University who has closely monitored telehealth’s development during the last two decades, both patients and providers who embrace telehealth find it beneficial.
A therapist will be able to help you and your partner better understand the issues that are causing problems between the two of you and give you advice on how to handle them.
It’s important to remember that if you and your partner are struggling with relationship stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s not because there is something wrong with either one of you. It’s just normal human behavior under stressful conditions like these.
Communication Honestly – To Share Your Emotions
The most important thing you can do during pandemics like COVID-19 is, to be honest with your partner. When you and your partner have a clear understanding of how each other feels, then you will be able to work together to make sure that everyone gets the support they need.
If you don’t communicate honestly, it can lead to more stress in relationships. For example, if one person is stressed out because they’re worried about their family members or friends who are sick, but the other person isn’t being open about how they’re feeling, then this could lead to conflict in the relationship.
The best way for couples to communicate honestly is by having open communication about everything from finances and bills to kids’ schedules and health issues. This will help reduce any stressors that may otherwise result from a lack of communication between partners.
Practice Mindfulness Techniques – For Getting a Newer Perspective
Mindfulness is a practice that has been used in many different ways to improve health and well-being. It can be done in a variety of ways: through meditation, yoga, and even simply taking time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. This is important during pandemics like COVID-19 because it can help you become more aware of your stress levels and better manage them.
In fact, research by Anne Dutton, Director of Yale Stress Center’s mindfulness education program director, has shown that mindfulness can help with things like anxiety and depression.
Moreover, the constant fickleness of the mind can be stopped by mindfulness techniques which are extremely beneficial for people concerned about how to wear masks correctly and how to provide comfort to a loved one who is seriously ill.
Practicing mindfulness during pandemics like COVID-19 can help you stay calm and relaxed even when things are really stressful around you so that you’re able to focus on what matters most: your relationships.
Prioritize Fun Activities – To Keep the Spark Alive
It’s hard to think about having fun when you’re worried about pandemics like COVID-19, but it can be the key to keeping a good relationship. If you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, it can be easy to forget that your partner is there for you.
The best way to get through these times is by taking care of yourself and prioritizing fun activities with your partner. You might not be able to go on vacation together right now, but there are plenty of things you can do in your own home that will help keep the spark alive while still making sure both of you feel loved and supported.
Try going on a walk together or taking a long bath together. Have a date night at home! Cook dinner together and watch Netflix or read together – whatever works for you. And make sure to have lots of cuddles too!
Find a Balanced Approach to Navigate Pandemic and Relationship Stress
When it comes to managing relationship stress during pandemics like COVID-19, it’s important to find a balanced approach that allows you to take care of yourself while still being there for your partner.
It’s okay to feel scared, stressed, and overwhelmed. But don’t let these feelings lead you down a path that isolates you from your partner and makes them feel like they have no one to turn to when they need support.
Instead, try spending some time together even if it is just for a few minutes each day – to check in with each other about how the other is feeling physically and emotionally. Ask them what they need from you, and do what you can to help them out. This is a great way for both of you to stay connected even when things are hectic around the house.