Spending time together is supposed to be good for a marriage, and for those of us in quarantine, that’s precisely what we’ve been doing for our partner.
Yet, day after day, we’re spending an abundance of time with our partners during this pandemic, and all we seem to be is annoyed. Many couples even feel that if things don’t change soon, they may be on the brink of separation making it a reason of divorce.
When it comes to keeping your marriage healthy during quarantine, it’s all about quality vs. quantity. You want the time you spend to be meaningful, not maddening. So, how do you do it?
Since the pandemic has started, everyone’s stress levels have been through the roof. That’s why we’re looking at six tips to prevent a quarantine divorce.
1. Spend time apart
If you want to prevent a quarantine divorce, one of the best things you can do is ensure both you and your spouse have enough alone time.
Quality time is great for couples, there’s no doubt about it! But, spending all day together for weeks on end can feel overwhelming, so make sure you’re still making time for yourself.
· Practice hobbies
· Schedule time with friends via video chat and watch movies together
· Go for a jog or bike ride around your neighborhood
· Start gardening
· Play a game
· Read a book
· Take a bubble bath or do some yoga.
The point is, do something that makes you feel fulfilled! This will allow you to come back to your spouse as a happier, more peaceful version of yourself.
2. Create a structure
Before COVID-19 took the world by frightful storm, we all had our daily routines. This was what helped keep us in check and feel productive and achieve balance with our partner.
But now that most of us are stuck indoors, we may find ourselves skipping showers and forgetting what day it is. Save your marriage and re-establish your routine.
Make a schedule that includes:
· Getting some work done, which will make you feel productive – if you’re not able to work remotely from home, try getting some household projects done instead.
· Exercising, which releases endorphins and makes you feel happy
· Doing something you like, so that you feel fulfilled
· Spending quality time with your partner – Remember, that’s quality, not quantity.
3. Do things to break out of your routine
I know I just said that creating structure is going to be a game-changer in preventing a quarantine divorce, but so will breaking out of that structure.
Think about it. In your normal pre-COVID-19 lifestyle, you likely had a working routine throughout the week, and then you had your weekends to have fun and do whatever you want with your spouse.
For many who aren’t able to work from home, there is no wild weekend to look forward to because every day is pretty much the same.
Look for ways to break out of your routine, such as having a regular date night with your spouse. Planning something fun and new to do together not only strengthens your bond but also gives you something to look forward to.
4. Talk to each other
Communication is key to surviving quarantine as a couple. If you’re feeling sad, stressed, scared, depressed, or anxious – talk about it!
If you want to focus on something happy like planning your future or making a fun list of things you want to do when this is all over – talk about it!
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Communicating your feelings will make it so that your spouse is your partner and confidant – not the person you’re taking your stress out on.
5. Have quality sex
It seems that article after article is telling us how we should be having sex like rabbits during quarantine – and that’s great! But remember, it’s about quality, not quantity.
If you want to explore a book of sex positions and be intimate every day, go for it! But most people will agree they’d rather have great sex a couple of times a week than have average sex every day.
So, how will having great sex save your relationship from a COVID-19 divorce? Research shows that sexual satisfaction was significantly associated with sexual pleasure.
Getting physical with your partner has also been shown to heighten emotional intimacy.
So why not take this time in quarantine to boost emotional intimacy and strengthen your relationship against divorce?
Emotional intimacy is crucial because it helps couples feel connected and strong. It’s what allows them to share their thoughts, be vulnerable, be silly, and build trust.
What’s more, the oxytocin released by your body when you are sexually intimate promotes bonding, increases trust, and makes you feel more connected as a couple – especially when an orgasm is involved!
6. Take a breather
Have you noticed that you and your spouse have started arguing about the ridiculous things in the world? This is the effect of being under the same roof 24/7 is having on couples.
This pandemic is raising everyone’s stress levels, and when we’ve stressed the little things our spouse can cause us to snap or lash out in ways, we wouldn’t usually.
Suddenly, the way your partner leaves their bath towel on the floor or never takes their K-Cup out of the coffee machine seems like the worst offense in the world!
If you feel yourself starting to get irked, take a breather. There is no point in fighting over something silly with someone you’re otherwise crazy about. This will only raise tensions and stress in the house.
Instead, go and take some space. Go for a walk around the block, listen to a podcast, sit in the backyard, watch a lighthearted video. Do something to put you in a good mood before coming back and talking to your partner.
Don’t let quarantine put unnecessary stress on your relationship. Combat the COVID-19 divorce curse by spending quality time together, prioritizing self-care and alone time, and communicating your feelings.