How to maintain healthy relationships in self-isolation!

Former Member

Is your family/partner stressing you out during the current outbreak?



Self-isolating with my family sounded like a great idea, however it can bee quite stressful. It feels like everyone is under everyone's feet!


I have also heard rumours which suggested that romantic relationships may suffer due to self-isolation.


Does everyone believe this?
How is everyone else coping with reduced freedom?
How is everyone dealing with constant "family time"?
Am I being dramatic?


I am very curious to how people are preventing this from interfering with their relationships?
 

Former Member

Hey @""Tee A"
I think this is definitely true! Whilst isolation with family can bring people together, I do also believe that it can push people apart. Because we simply cannot just go out and socialise with others, I think there's a huge pressure to spend time with people in your home even when you don't particularly want to! 

To combat this, I like to make sure I still have some alone time to practise self-care and to not let myself lash out in frustration when I can't get some peace at home! 

I don't think you're being dramatic at all and I predict that even the families who are getting along great now might have some frustrations by the time this is all over lol! 

Former Member

I'm just self-isolating in my room

Azziman

At the moment everyone is anxious, and that's a normal reaction to the current situation. But many people won't adjust for this increased anxiety at this time, and combined with the frustration of being stuck indoors, people are likely to get more annoyed at one another. It's so important to be understanding of one another during this time x

Former Member

I second @Azziman's thoughts. It's super important that we all take great care to be more open and understanding during this uncertain time. We don't really know yet how long this isolation is going to last, so it's essential to practise self-care and know our limits. 

Former Member

Hi @Tee A

Great thread idea

Does everyone believe this?
I think this increased contact does present some risks for relationship strains, it can also have the opposite effect and bring everybody together. I think the key to making this a positive experience is keeping an open mind, being mindful of how you feel and how others might also feel, and just making sure everybody's space/time is repeated And it's okay to speak up if you don't feel like this is the case for you - it doesn't have to be an argument, but simply a productive conversation to say this is how I would love to be supported  And in terms of romantic relationships, I think it's all about effort. Making sure that the both of you put in effort to still communicate as little or as much as you would mutually like to - and looking forward to the fun reunion whenever that may be

How is everyone else coping with reduced freedom?
It's very strange, but I am learning to adapt! I think making a schedule for each day is the way forward.
 
How is everyone dealing with constant "family time"?
I am quite enjoying being home, because I usually live away at university so it's a nice change. I am missing having my own space to work, as I struggle to work in my bedroom so I've come to the dining room which means there's always somebody coming in and out haha, but I'm just trying to focus on the positives that we get more time to be together and will soon work out where to work I'm sure
Am I being dramatic?
No, I don't think you are being dramatic at all! This is such a new and unusual situation, it's very normal for us to feel anxious, perhaps a little uncomfortable and unsure about how things will be. But if you ever do want to speak more about it, remember The Mix are always here to listen and talk!

Take care and stay safe

Former Member

Hi @Tee A

This is definitely something I am experiencing - my dad recently retired and mum, my partner and me are all working from home so it's completely different for us. We are used to only seeing each other in the evenings so being with each other all day every day has been a bit of a challenge.

We have arranged quite a good system where me, mum and my partner are all working in different rooms so we all have a bit of space. I have also been going up to my bedroom to read my book for an hour or so on my own most evening just to have a bit of me time. 

But I've also definitely seen the advantages of it too. My partner usually has to travel an hour and a half each way to work so it's been really nice to have some extra time with him especially in the morning and we've been having lots of lunch breaks together. Me and dad have been going for jogs together and me and mum have been doing yoga so we've been making the most of having time together as well as giving each other space. I think that balance has been really good for us.

It's definitely not easy but making sure you keep some time for yourself is my number 1 tip. 
Stay safe  

Former Member

Hi All!

Thanks for responding! 


You have all encouraged me to think about this more positively. It can be easy for me to notice one negative thing and then turn every situation into something more negative. I think making a timetable for myself would be good so I can have some sort of structure. I am also a university student so I have been procrastinating way to much! 


Thanks all! Hope everyone is keeping themselves safe!