The coronavirus pandemic has been ongoing for the better part of a year. It has introduced us to terms like “social distancing” and “shelter in place” and has changed the way most people live their daily lives. Many adults are now working from home, children are attending classes online, and everyone has learned to trade “going out” for staying home. This significant change in social interaction and spending more time at home can have a tremendous impact on relationships.
Positive relationships are necessary for psychological health, and the changes in routine and added stress brought about by the coronavirus can create problems in an otherwise healthy relationship and make a relationship plagued by conflict or abuse even worse. In today’s post from Blair Wellness Group, we want to offer some suggestions on how to reduce the stress on your relationships during this unprecedented and most difficult time. Keep reading to learn more, and if you’re looking for a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in relationship treatment, please reach out to us.
Acknowledge the Situation
We are living in some very stressful times. COVID-19 and the circumstances around it have people feeling an extreme range of emotions on any given day including anxiety, worry, anger, boredom, fatigue, loneliness, and fear, just to name a few. Acknowledging that you and your partner are dealing with many of the same feelings will help bring patience and understanding to situations that may otherwise spark anger and disagreements.
Spend Some Time Alone
Sometimes the key to maintaining a healthy relationship is to find the balance between spending time together and taking time for yourself. Although you may not be able to partake in some of the activities you love, you can still enjoy spending time outside or in another room of your home. Whether you use the time to read a book, practice yoga, or just go for a walk, this “alone time” will go a long way in sustaining a healthy relationship with your partner.
Stay Connected With Others
With little physical interaction with friends and family outside of your home, it’s easy to rely on your spouse or significant other to serve as your sole source of emotional support. While it’s healthy to share your feelings with them, remember that they are also dealing with many of the same sources of stress and anxiety. Expecting one person to provide all of the support you need can be mentally and emotionally draining. That’s why it’s important to reach out and expand your support group.
Even if you can’t physically be in the same room with someone, technology has made it easier to stay in touch. Make an effort to call, chat, set up a virtual meeting, or wherever works best to keep you connected.
Seek Help for Toxic or Abusive Relationships
Despite the challenges that many couples will face during COVID, most of them can be overcome with a little patience and the right attitude. Unfortunately, for those who were already struggling with a relationship that was abusive, unfaithful, or otherwise unfulfilling, having to also deal with the complications of a pandemic can make matters all the worse.
At Blair Wellness Clinic of Beverly Hills, we specialize in helping people who are in troublesome relationships. Under the confidential and compassionate care of Dr. Cassidy Blair, clients can get the guidance and support they need to address their relationship problems and restore balance to their lives.
Contact Blair Wellness Group for Relationship Treatment
If you are struggling to maintain a positive relationship with your spouse or significant other, or, if you’re dealing with conflict, a divorce, or an abusive relationship, we encourage you to contact Blair Wellness Group to make an appointment. We can help you reach a happier, healthier place. Call today at 310.999.4996 to schedule an in-person, telephone, teletherapy, or virtual session.