During Covid-19, people are being asked to self-isolate, distance themselves socially, with some of us even on lockdown. This means that couples are going to be spending a lot of time together in a confined space.
For some couples, the idea of bunkering down and having a nonstop cuddle-fest is a dream come true, but for those who are more socially inclined, spending 24/7 with your spouse may sound more like a nightmare. Either way, it can be challenging to suddenly be stuck together for an indefinite period of time.
So how can you keep the love alive amidst all this Covid-19 chaos? Keep reading to find out some helpful love advice from experts on how to make the most of it as a couple!
- Boost your physical intimacy
In a time of uncertainty, there is something healing about being intimate with your partner.
The oxytocin released during physical intimacy has been proven to increase trust between partners. This can make you feel more at ease during these trying times.
This cuddle-hormone is also known for promoting feelings of love, reducing blood pressure and lowering your cortisol levels, AKA reducing stress.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, there’s no better way to keep your love alive and reduce anxiety than by making sex and other forms of physical intimacy a priority in your relationships. It’s time to cuddle up lovebugs!
- Talk to each other
Communication is essential for a happy relationship on a good day, and all the more so during times of distress.
Venting about life and the current circumstances in the world is a great way to de-stress and connect with your partner. You will no doubt feel comforted by their love and support while you express yourself. Even the Center for Disease Control suggests open communication with your loved one about how you’re feeling.
Just remember that dwelling on negative subjects can bring down morale and may cause your partner unnecessary stress, so don’t forget to communicate about the positives in your life as well. And when talking, be aware that listening is just as important. Take this time to learn how to really hear each other.
- Find new things to do together
One of the biggest strains on your relationship is going to be boredom, stuck in the same place with little outside distraction.
If you’re in lockdown, you’re probably seeing a lot more of your partner than ever before – so it’s important to find new things to do together.
Why not take up a hobby while you’re in isolation? Download a language app, start drawing, do a workout or write a great Covid-19 story together! There are plenty of online classes to keep you and your partner feeling productive and happy while social distancing. So make an effort to find new activities to do together.
- Actively take measures to reduce your stress
This virus and the measures governments are taking to control it are changing daily. We never know what’s going to happen from one day to the next. You may have wondered:
- Am I going to lose my job?
- How am I going to pay my bills?
- Am I or one of my loved ones going to get sick?
- When will we be able to travel again?
There’s no denying it – living in the time of the coronavirus is extremely stressful, and this stress can hurt your relationship.
We’re well aware that, saying “you need to find ways to de-stress!” is way easier said than done, but remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
Here are some tips on how to reduce stress and anxiety during Covid-19:
Stop obsessing: It’s hard not to get wrapped up in the news about the coronavirus, but do your best to limit your emotional intake of bad or stressful news.
Practice self-care: Eat healthy food, meditate, exercise, take a hot bath and do things that relax you.
- Remember that this will end
If you’re someone who suffers from anxiety (or hey, maybe anxiety is new to your life as of Covid-19) then you’re probably experiencing certain states of dread or stress.
We feel for you, but remember this isn’t how things are going to stay. The Covid-19 pandemic will end, so take this time to work on strengthening your relationship instead of taking it out on each other. A great way to do this is to improve and strengthen your connection by taking relationship quizzes together – like the 5 Love Language Quiz or the Enneagram Personality Test. There is a great variety of quizzes available online.
- Find a way to spend time together if you live apart
If you aren’t married or don’t currently have the luxury of living with your partner, don’t worry. There are still plenty of ways you can keep the love alive during this time.
Find ways to date via Skype, Zoom or Google hangout. Or watch the same shows together on Netflix, share a meal while sitting down to chat or have some fun together playing online games.
- Spend time alone
Part of a healthy relationship is being able to spend time by yourself. Couples don’t have to be together 24/7 – even during a lockdown!
We realize this may need to involve getting a little creative, considering most of us aren’t too crazy about heading outside at the moment, but it can be done.
Take time to do the things you want to do. Practice your own hobbies, keep in contact with friends and family, journal, exercise alone and practice solo self-care.
This will help you to feel connected with yourself which, in turn, will make you a better person for your partner to be around. It’s healthy to take your me-time, even if you’re isolating together.
In summary, it’s important to keep making love, communicate with your partner, and find ways to reduce your stress during Covid-19. No matter how long this chapter of our lives last, remember that the state of panic is not permanent. This too shall pass, so take positive steps now to make sure your relationship is happy and healthy on the other side!
