

{"id":58152,"date":"2020-04-24T14:27:43","date_gmt":"2020-04-24T14:27:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/ways-to-support-your-spouse-during-coronavirus\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T06:58:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T06:58:07","slug":"ways-to-support-your-spouse-during-coronavirus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/ways-to-support-your-spouse-during-coronavirus\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Ways to Support Your Spouse During the Coronavirus Crisis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-16512 size-full\" title=\"7 Ways to Support Your Spouse During the Coronavirus Crisis\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ways-to-support-your-spouse-during-the-coronavirus-crisis-1605852823.jpg\" alt=\"Beautiful Young Couple Listening Music With Vinyl Phonograph And Cuddling On Couch\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/index.html\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">COVID-19 crisis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has resulted in a lot of pressures and uncertainty. You and your spouse are likely affected in some way emotionally so it is important you are supporting your spouse but also look after yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You and your spouse may feel a bit lost in the current environment. If you are looking up for advice on how to be a supportive husband or how to be a supportive wife during such overwhelming times, look no further.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are 7 tips that may help both of you in being supportive during this difficult time and bring you comfort.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1-How-about-some-grace\"><\/span>1. How about some grace?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you dealing with major stressors such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aa.com.tr\/en\/economy\/un-body-warns-of-up-to-25m-job-losses-due-to-covid-19\/1771040\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loss of employment, loss of business<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or even an unwell family member?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other stressors right now may come for example from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/283024276_The_benefits_and_pitfalls_of_employees_working_from_home_Study_of_a_private_company_in_South_Africa\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">time pressures due to having to work from home<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> but also support your spouse, and look after the kids.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This may put pressure on your relationship especially if you put too much pressure and expectations on yourselves as leaders of the household. So, how to be supportive in a time of such anxiety?<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go easy on yourselves, sometimes things do need to fall behind or not go as smoothly as you would like.<\/span><\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore, to support your spouse, and stay sane and happy,<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/relationship-expectations-what-should-you-do-with-these\/\"><b>lower your expectations<\/b><\/a><b> during the crisis and<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> be more empathetic for one another.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your ability to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/forgiveness\/how-to-forgive-your-spouse-for-past-mistakes\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">let go of your partner&rsquo;s mistakes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will be critical during this difficult time. Letting go can improve your health. Support each other by cutting your partner some slack.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you notice that your loved one is upset due to minor issues, it might actually be due to another bigger problem. If that happens, consider asking, &ldquo;Are you upset about the current situation?&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That could help your spouse to open up.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2-Apologies-should-count\"><\/span>2. Apologies should count<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Annoyance, frustration and other similar emotions may flare up being stuck at home for such long periods.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be sincere about your apology and if your spouse wants to talk about the issue be open to talking about it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On how to give <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/emotional-intimacy\/ways-to-improve-emotional-support-in-your-relationship\/\">emotional support<\/a>, apologize. Show willingness to put your past behind and start anew.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/accepting-responsibility-in-relationships\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accept your responsibility<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for wrongful actions and purpose to change. Your significant other is going through a difficult time in their life. It is crucial that you support your spouse during the tumultuous time of global pandemic and chaos.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A sincere apology can help to keep your spouse happy and your relationship stronger during the coronavirus pandemic.<\/span><\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In your apology, <\/span><b>show your willingness to make things right again and express your determination not to make similar mistakes.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> However, ensure that you make realistic promises.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In return your spouse is more likely to feel like they can also move past it and forgive. Finally, accept apologies easily and move on.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>We need to be extra kind and understanding in a marriage at this time.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-16513 size-full\" title=\"We need to be extra kind and understanding in a marriage at this time.\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/we-need-to-be-extra-kind-and-understanding-in-a-marriage-at-this-time-1605852823.jpg\" alt=\"Happy couple cooking breakfast together in the kitchen\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also watch:<\/span><br><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ex1zKugPWng\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3-Try-doing-some-gardening\"><\/span>3. Try doing some gardening<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/257143385_Gardening_as_a_mental_health_intervention_A_review\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mental Health Studies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> show that gardening acts as a positive mental health intervention. Spending time outdoors and surrounding yourself with greenery and flowers has a positive effect on mental health and wellbeing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Spending a couple of hours per week in the backyard during this present period will allow you time out of the house as well as provide time for relation. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Further, this may be a great opportunity to do something as a couple.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Engaging in gardening with your partner will be a reminder that you&rsquo;re not the center of the universe. <\/span><b>Self-absorption during quarantine and lockdown can result in mental health issues.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Come out of the house and explore the flower garden.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gardening is also a form of exercise and hence healthy for your mind. Different gardening activities help to increase dopamine levels and lower the number of hormones associated with stress. You&rsquo;ll also sleep better, which is vital during this period.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4-How-do-you-deal-with-the-changes\"><\/span>4. How do you deal with the changes?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Change is inevitable. However, that doesn&rsquo;t mean we&rsquo;ll get used to it fully. No one expected the coronavirus quarantine to occur. As a result, most people feel helpless. I<\/span><b>t&rsquo;s normal for you to grieve the loss of your family routine.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you process the new changes, <\/span><b>remember to <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/mental-health\/taking-care-of-each-other\/\"><b>take care of your spouse&rsquo;s feelings<\/b><\/a><b> throughout the period.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>To support your spouse, make sure that you limit communication to family schedules and routine tasks.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s natural for people to forget about the need to take care of their health when going through a hard time. For example,<\/span><b> most people turn to bread and other baked products. However, ensure that your spouse eats healthy meals as much as possible.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5-Have-a-routine\"><\/span>5. Have a routine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The certainty of your routine is helpful in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">coping with uncertainties<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in life. <\/span><b>If you and your spouse have a routine during the quarantine period, you&rsquo;ll have a structure to look to which can provide a sense of security<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and that can help to manage the stress associated with the virus outbreak.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, despite what&rsquo;s happening around you, knowing that you&rsquo;ll take your meal at 7 pm and go to bed at 9 pm can help you feel in control and encourage you to support your spouse.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6-Spend-some-time-alone\"><\/span>6. Spend some time alone<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-16514 size-full\" title=\"Spend some time alone\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/spend-some-time-alone-1605852824.jpg\" alt=\"A Happy Senior Woman Using Digital Tablet At Home\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Humans are social beings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Growing up, you liked having some company, whether in school or other social places. Also, one of the main reasons for marriage is companionship. However, spending some time alone doesn&rsquo;t mean you have to be lonely.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pursue hobbies, read books or do other activities that you have not had time to do.<\/span><\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3555404\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has shown that solitude can lead to greater empathy, and your spouse needs that during this difficult time.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To support your spouse, <\/span><b>talk to your partner about the types of breaks that work for you<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and schedule them in so there is a clear understanding.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7-Practice-self-care\"><\/span>7. Practice self-care<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, you may have too many responsibilities and end up forgetting to take care of yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So while it&rsquo;s important to support your spouse, take care of the family and others, <\/span><b>be mindful that you also need to do the things for yourself that keep you healthy.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This may be as simple as a bit of time out to relax, organize yourself or do some exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/\"><b>Self-care during the current crisis<\/b><\/a><b> is vital as it triggers a relaxation response, and this prevents chronic stress. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Caring for yourself will also help to improve your mental health and wellbeing and give you the energy you need to take care of your spouse.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may feel like you are being pulled in different directions right now and under a lot of stress so review the above pointers from time to time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Please share these tips to support your spouse with your partner and maybe even go through them together as a great relationship exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The COVID-19 crisis has resulted in a lot of pressures and uncertainty. You and your spouse are likely affected in some way emotionally so it is important you are supporting your spouse but also look after yourself. You and your spouse may feel a bit lost in the current environment. If you are looking up for advice on how to be a supportive husband or how to be a supportive wife during such overwhelming times, look no further. Here are 7 tips that may help both of you in being supportive during this difficult time and bring you comfort. 1. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":841,"featured_media":58153,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2502],"tags":[2603],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58152"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/841"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=58152"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58152\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":119193,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58152\/revisions\/119193"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/58153"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58152"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=58152"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=58152"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}