Well, these days are stressful, to say the least. With many of us working from home and with many local businesses shutting down, we’re spending a lot of time with our significant others…at home. While all this downtime may be welcomed—more time for each other is a wonderful thing, after all—there can be too much of a good thing as the weeks go on.
To make the COVID-19 lockdown feel less confining and more, dare we say, energizing for your relationship, get with your other half and commit to tackling the items below.
Divide Up Domestic Tasks
The flow of your typical day is going to change significantly, if it hasn’t already. Discuss these changes and how you can adjust your domestic workload accordingly. Perhaps one person is in charge of making breakfast, the other lunch and you cook dinner together? Maybe one person takes care of all the meals and the other cleans up? Whatever works for you, it’s important to talk about how working from home (especially if you have kids at home too!) is going to affect all the little things you need to do to make your home-life fun.
Brainstorm Home Projects to Tackle
Now’s a great time for some DIY in your space. Maybe you’ve wanted to paint an accent wall or re-stain your patio furniture. Perhaps you’d like to turn your guest room into a home gym and get your treadmill out of the garage. Take a lap around your place and make a list of any project you’d like to take on together to improve your space—especially since you’ll be spending much more time in it. You’ll be able to work together and take pride in your home that much more.
Make Your Space into Your Sanctuary
On a related note, do what you can to make your space feel homey, calm and nurturing. Spend a few days ridding your space of clutter so it doesn’t feel claustrophobic. Set up dedicated workspaces—the kitchen table is a great option! —so you can each have your own place to be during the day. Dig out those candles you’ve gotten for birthday gifts over the years and actually light them. Buy an affordable cozy throw blanket online. However, you can make your place as comfortable and inviting as possible, do it. That way, you can truly enjoy your time in your home.
Commit to Date Nights
According to the new guidelines, no one is supposed to be in a crowded bar or restaurant—in some states these establishments aren’t even open anymore. But you can still have a romantic night at home by putting it on the calendar and making it happen. Order pizza, pick a romantic comedy to watch, dust off a board game. Make time to connect with each other even if you’re just going to be in your own space.
Retreat for Solo Self-Care
Don’t feel like you have to hang out with each other every single night? Make time for your own hobbies and self-care: watch your own shows, paint your nails, take a bath, do an online workout video—whatever it is you like to do to unwind. When you take care of yourself, you can show up more fully for others, especially your partner.
Stay Social
Keep in touch with loved ones by scheduling FaceTime catch-ups and pinging each other within group texts so that your partner isn’t the only one you’re connecting with. While spending too much time scrolling your social media feed may lead to feeling even more disconnected from others, checking in with friends and family through Facebook and Instagram—and posting pics yourself—can also be a good way to feel like you’re part of a community. Just limit your time if you start feeling anxious or drained.
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