Measures taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19 have caused an enormous impact for most Americans. Millions are still unable to return to work, while other areas of the country are still in some form of a lockdown.
For many, that means a whopping amount of additional time spent with their loved one or family. Under normal circumstances, the average couple spends two and a half hours together on any given day. That increases to four and a half hours for families.
Now, these individuals are spending nearly every hour of the day with one another. As you might imagine (or already know), this can quickly become overwhelming and start chipping away at the harmony in any home. Here’s how you can keep a healthy family relationship during this pandemic.
Self-Maintenance
As cabin fever sets in, people begin to lose track of time and slowly become more lethargic. The monotony of this new routine can also cause people to feel numb. In order to combat all three symptoms of lockdown, self-care is vital.
To do this, start by maintaining as much of your daily routines as possible. Wake up on time, make your beds, brush your teeth, and get dressed. You should also maintain a nutritious diet even though it’s tempting to order a pizza while sitting around with little to do.
If you meditated or worked out before the pandemic, keep doing so at home. Maintaining this sense of normalcy in your routine is especially vital for families with young children. Whatever the family did beforehand, stick to that schedule as closely as possible.
Remote Work
If anyone in the house is working from home, then boundaries must be set. Create a work schedule similar to the one you had before the pandemic and stick to it. This allows for steady doses of alone time while working as well as time spent together, rather than losing yourself in your work.
Watch How You Cope
A heavy news cycle of pandemic news is enough to drive anyone to drink, and it has. Cigarette and alcohol sales are up, but only the latter can lead to unhealthy interaction with your loved ones. Excessive drinking can also lead to a complex divorce. So, work on keeping one another in check.
Sticking Together
One of the top tips for families struggling during lockdown is to change how they spend time together. Instead of sitting at home, try heading to a park or just going for a drive. Order new board games, play some videogames together, or create a few fun activities of your own. Whatever it is, make sure to divvy things up from time to time so everyone stays interested.
Set New Expectations
This pandemic comes with an intense amount of stress. Couple that with the lines between work life and home life blurring, and it demands a change in what families expect from one another. Setting new expectation during this time can help strengthen families instead of tear them apart.
For couples, expect the added stress to impact intimacy. Since this isn’t a romantic vacation, take the time to work on your communication skills instead of your bedroom skills. It’s a difficult adjustment, but intimacy issues are a leading cause to hire legal representation like this Midwest divorce lawyer.
For parents, expect the energy your kids have to increase as cabin fever sets in and give them a little leeway. That’s not to say that the rules of the house don’t apply, but that you understand this situation isn’t easy on your children either.
At the same time, everyone should broaden their support group as they stay in touch with friends and other family members outside the home. Make sure everyone has time to “hang-out” and chat with those they care about.