5 Quarantine Survival Tips for Your Marriage and Family

With the COVID-19 pandemic, and cases increasing as the days go by, many couples and families have been confined in their homes. This confinement may cause a feeling of isolation that leads to a sense of loneliness.

Even people in relationships and marriages may come across different sets of challenges that they must have never faced before. And, the newfound problems can make people look out for marriage survival tips.

According to the American Psychology Association, there is evidence linking perceived social isolation with adverse health consequences, including depression, poor sleep quality, impaired executive function, accelerated cognitive decline, poor cardiovascular function, and impaired immunity at every stage of life.

As I have been working with clients during this time of uncertainty through teletherapy, I have found some helpful tips that clients have shared to strengthen their marriage and families while being in close quarters with each other.

And, here are those tips that can help you in getting through tough times and deal with uncertainty in relationships.

1. Create a schedule

An adjustment to your schedule can cause you to feel “out of sorts” because you are adjusting to a new routine.

During this time of staying home to avoid a contagious virus, it is crucial to create a fresh routine for yourself and your family by creating a schedule and adhering to it.

If you’re trying to keep kids entertained and focused on a new way of doing schoolwork while stuck in the house, it’s essential to find a routine that works for you and your family.

Plan out activities in advance to help keep everyone busy so you can get some work done in the meantime.

Try creating a daily schedule and be flexible by adjusting the routine as needed.

2. Give each other space

If you have started contemplating how to save the relationship or of late, you are wondering- will my marriage survive, here comes one of the top marriage survival tips.

Being quarantined with a loved one can test the relationship. Communicating your need for space can avoid an emotional reaction when feeling tense and help in saving your relationship.

It is essential to start with “I statement,” when describing your needs. Here is an example, “I’m feeling overwhelmed right now and need to make space so I can feel calm before we continue the conversation.”

At this point, give your partner an estimated time that you need to take space, and come back to the conversation when you are feeling calm.

For the partner not needing space, be respectful of your partner by allowing them to take the space they need.

3. Be patient

Again, this is one of the critical marriage survival tips.

Many times, people want instant gratification and want what they want without waiting. Practicing patience is vital during this time of living in close quarters.

Relax, take a deep breath; taking long and slow deep breaths can calm the mind and body.

Be mindful at the moment; stop what you are doing, actively listen, and validate feelings. Patience can be done by slowing down and releasing control.

Also, watch this video to learn the secret to patience:

4. Play games

Now is the time to do something you haven’t done in a while. Fish out those board games from the back of your closet, and schedule some time to have fun.

Playing games brings people together and strengthens relationships.

Other benefits include; improving brain function, practicing patience, and reducing stress.

5. Work as a team

One of the essential marriage survival tips is to consider your family as a team. Each person in the family is important and plays a unique role in the functioning of the family.

Every individual has unique strengths, personalities, and traits that contribute to being a part of the family team. This is similar to how a sports team functions, where every player has their role to play in order for the team to perform well on various occasions.

Likewise, each one in the family needs to possess a shared vision for the family.  Every member should do their best to achieve the family (team) goal.

I hope these marriage survival tips and relationship advice help you and your family to survive during these testing times.

These handy tips are meant to help you stay safe and protected from the spread of the COVID-19.