Tips for Maintaining Healthy Relationships in Coronavirus Quarantine

Forced isolation with the same people for weeks on end has turned some households into a pressure cooker. Whether you live with housemates or family members, you may find minor annoyances magnified into a source of significant strife. How can you preserve your relationships and your mental well-being and emerge on the other side of COVID-19 quarantine stronger than ever?

Recognize Signs of Stress

It’s understandable if you’re finding your nerves a bit frayed lately. We are all living through a time of unparalleled anxiety, with no end in sight. If you feel yourself nearing a breaking point, stop and take a deep breath before you lash out at someone and say something hurtful you’ll later regret. Check in with your body’s cues – Is your heart rate elevated? Are you holding excess tension in any muscle groups? – and keep one or more relaxation techniques in your back pocket to turn to.

Clear the Air

Quarantine quarrels can quickly spiral out of control, leaving everyone involved feeling tense and on edge. It may be tempting to avoid difficult conversations to maintain harmony within your household, but shying away from issues is a surefire recipe for conflict down the road. If you’re feeling frustrated by something, verbalize it. Try to use “I” phrasing instead of “you” phrasing, so the other person doesn’t feel attacked. For example, you could say something like, “I feel like I’ve been doing more than my fair share of the housework lately, and it’s been frustrating.”

Seek Help When You Need It

If you’re overwhelmed and having trouble regulating your emotions, consider therapy to unpack your feelings and discover new, healthy coping strategies. In these challenging circumstances, there are many telehealth options such as online therapy to explore. Evidence suggests this option can be just as effective as seeing a counselor face to face, and it’s also safe because you won’t have to leave your home.

Protect Your Time and Space

Even the most outgoing people can benefit from having occasional time to be alone and focus on their thoughts. However, when you’re quarantined in a finite amount of space, you might start to feel like you never have a moment to yourself. You can combat this by creating boundaries, and encouraging housemates to do the same. For instance, you can set designated quiet times every day where everyone agrees to practice separate pursuits such as reading, meditating or napping. Or, choose how to divide rooms in your living space. Grant that a closed door automatically means “do not disturb,” or, if you lack a door, you can tack up a blanket or a bedsheet to make a barrier.

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Stories of Human Kindness During COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic has caused unprecedented levels of worldwide stress and anxiety. However, at a time when it feels like all the headlines are negative, there is a bright spot in the simple acts of kindness everyday people and businesses are sharing. Difficult times often reveal the best in humanity.

Right now, a little love and understanding goes a long way. Here’s a small sampling of the ways neighbors have stepped up to care for each other and practice kindness during this challenging time.

Venues Worldwide Are Hosting Virtual Tours

If you’re like many who have had to postpone travel plans due to the pandemic, you can still visit many world-class attractions, including the Louvre and the Smithsonian, from the comfort of your couch. Though all these facilities are closed for the time being, you can skip the crowds and explore priceless art and artifacts with online tours.

New York Running Clubs Are Doing Errands for Their Homebound Neighbors

New York City’s small army of running enthusiasts has found a way to maintain their fitness levels while helping those who are observing self-quarantine. Members of running clubs have used their fleet feet and stepped up to go to pharmacies, grocery stores and other businesses to pick up essential supplies.

Citizens Are Spontaneously Celebrating Health Care Workers

In cities around the world, quarantined people have come together to hold rounds of applause for doctors, nurses and first responders from their balconies, porches and rooftops.

Landlords Are Forgiving Rent

Government restrictions on social distancing have forced many people into unexpected unemployment. Due to this, many understanding landlords are giving their tenants a break when they can’t afford to make their rent payments.

People Are Finding Ways to Support Local Businesses

Depending on where you live, many “non-essential” local businesses such as hair salons have likely had to close. Loyal customers are finding ways to keep these beloved establishments afloat during this time of crisis by buying gift cards to use later or sending money directly to the owner.

Patrons Are Leaving Larger Tips

With so many restaurants switching to takeout and delivery services only, it has become challenging for many servers and delivery drivers to make ends meet. Understanding this scenario, some customers have started tipping these service providers more generously.

Finding the Light in the Coronavirus Crisis

It’s easy to find examples of how the current crisis has brought out the worst in people. However, bad times often see strangers rising to the challenge to help their neighbors.

Let these simple acts of kindness inspire you during this challenging time, when so many are struggling to find their sense of optimism and gratitude. If you are fortunate enough to be healthy during this epidemic, look for ways to step forward and help where you can. You may find new connections in your community that last long after medical research has identified a cure for coronavirus.

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