How to Keep Your Relationships Healthy
During COVID-19 Crisis

See also: Managing Conflict in Relationships

Are you feeling depressed or bored during the coronavirus crisis? If so, you are not alone.

COVID-19 has probably changed a lot in your life. You may be working from home, self-isolating, and seeing a lot less of your loved ones – but social distancing shouldn’t stop you from maintaining healthy, happy relationships or boosting your skill development.

Of course, it may not be as simple to implement as it is to say. There will be times when you feel low for no possible reason.

However hard you try, you might feel that nothing good is happening. But what is important is not giving up!

It is essential to do every possible bit to maintain your physical as well as emotional wellbeing. This, in turn, will help you to have a positive mindset to keep your relationships happy and healthy.

But how do we go about it?

During social distancing, it is important to find ways to boost your mental health. You can do this by keeping your mind occupied and finding innovative ways to maintain your social life.

Social distancing is changing the way we live, but it doesn't have to change our friendships, romantic relationships, or skill development.

That's why we’re looking at five tips for keeping your relationships happy during the COVID-19 crisis.

Find new ways to socialize

The current state of the world has most cities under lockdown, quarantine (only leaving home for essential reasons), and social distancing.

Many countries have a mandated 'no more than five people may gather together' rule, which is making it difficult for many friends and loved ones to socialize in person.

Adversely, many romantic couples have been stuck inside together for weeks and maybe getting bored with each other's company.

Whatever the case is in your life, remember that this is a temporary phase, and you will come out of it soon. So, instead of getting bogged down with depressing thoughts, use this time to work on your relationships and build beautiful memories.

You can maintain your relationship by finding new ways to socialize. Instead of watching television with your spouse, make a group chat, and hang out with your besties.

There are plenty of online games you can play with friends as you video chat together. There are even apps such as Netflix Party designed to help you and your friends synchronize your streaming as you watch Netflix together.

Having a 'double date' night, video chatting with your favorite couple can also help banish the quarantine blues.

If you are taking an online class or learning a new skill, as mentioned above, why not do it with your partner or a loved one? This is another great way to keep things interesting while you're social distancing, all while keeping your brain sharp.

Learn something new together

One way you can keep your relationships alive during quarantine is to do something new and exciting together.

Have you ever wanted to learn a new career skill? How about learning a new language, playing an instrument, or learning how to cook?

Skill development doesn't have to be a pipe dream anymore. With all this extra time on your hands, you can learn a new skill that will help you get your dream job, satisfy your creative side, and promote bonding between you and your spouse.

Research published in SAGE Journals found that couples who tried new and exciting things together (such as learning new skills or hobbies) experienced higher levels of marital satisfaction.

Learning a new skill with your spouse will keep your lives interesting during the quarantine. It will also expand your minds, improve mental health, and - best of all - you'll have a built-in partner to practice with!

Couple’s benefits aside, skill development can also give you a sense of accomplishment during these depressing times. Having goals to work towards will help keep your morale up.

Be a source of positivity

It's easy to get swept up in the media about COVID-19. Every day we find ourselves checking our phones, looking at the news, and scrolling through dozens of pandemic memes across social media.

They say knowledge is power - but is our intake of pandemic news helping or hurting us?

If the pandemic is all you and your loved ones are talking about, it may be time to take a step back. It's good to stay informed about what's going on in the world, but don't let that knowledge negatively impact your relationships.

Be a source of good news and positivity to your loved ones instead of adding to anyone's panic or anxiety.

Talk to loved ones regularly

One of the best ways you can keep your relationships healthy during COVID-19 is to talk to your loved ones regularly.

Keep in contact with family via text messages, group chats, or video chat. Using different avenues of communication will help keep the relationship feeling fresh. You'll be able to hear and see one another while still being able to text a quick message or funny meme.

If you're living with your romantic partner during COVID-19 quarantine, it can be especially challenging to keep the relationship feeling fresh.

Communicating your feelings to one another and continuing to get to know each other (regardless of how long you've been together) will help keep your bond healthy and happy during these stressful times.

Take care of your mental health

When will things go back to normal? This is the question on everybody's mind during this worldwide pandemic.

Stress and anxiety are normal reactions to the unknown, and with COVID-19, the future is feeling obscure right now.

Your morale is going to have a big impact on how well you will handle quarantine and the COVID-19 crisis.

Taking care of your mental health is essential. Reach out to trusted friends and loved ones to talk about how you're feeling or take advantage of mental health apps or online counselors.

Developing new skills and maintaining social relationships will also help keep you in a positive mental health space during these trying times.

Guide to Personal and Romantic Relationships