Social distancing. Self-isolation. Lockdown. Quarantine. Man Versus COVID-19. Whatever you want to call it, these are challenging times for everyone! Living with uncertainty is stressful and can lead to short tempers and tension. And if you’re a guy working from home for the first time or are worried about being able to provide for your family, it can be especially tough to stay grounded.
The good news is that you are not alone. Not by a long shot. This is a new experience for everyone but there are ways to manage relationships, stress and the unknown to create a more positive experience for yourself and your loved ones.
Below are some suggestions to help get you through these tough times.
1. Turn off media
Checking the news once a day for updates on health policies is fine but having cable news on 24/7 does no good. Nor does trolling the death rates and number of COVID-19 cases in your county. Turn it off and carry on.
2. Make time for your partner and for sex
Time for sexual intimacy isn’t easy if you have young children, or are exhausted, but it can be a great stress reliever. It’s also a way to stay connected with your partner which is important during this period.
3. Talk about expectations
If you are working from home for the next few weeks, talk to your spouse about what you expect of each other. What are your work hours? Where in the house will you work? Who will manage children when you’re on conference calls? What about homeschooling and household tasks? These things can be sources of tension if expectations are not shared.
4. Financial stress
This is a tough one. Job loss and uncertainty are incredibly stressful particularly while there are hiring freezes and entire industries are shut down. While there is no quick fix, sharing your worries with your partner and talking to a counselor can be helpful. Check out the state’s financial relief options that may provide some respite until things pick up.
5. Stay connected with colleagues
Most coworkers are in the same boat. The comradery of knowing that colleagues within your company or industry are having similar experiences can provide some comfort and minimize isolation.
6. Work out
Go for a walk, a run or opt for weight-bearing exercises. Get your heart and lungs pumping. You will feel better!
Don’t let COVID-19 get you down. If there is any silver lining in all of this, it’s the opportunity to connect with family members, partners and most importantly ourselves.
Breathe in, breathe out.
