The Coronavirus crisis has caused many to struggle with life changes and new family dynamics because we’ve had to social distance ourselves from loved ones to keep everyone safe and to combat spreading the virus. And while we’ve been able to find creative ways to stay in touch, we all still feel the impact of not having personal contact.
The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 is like nothing we’ve ever experienced before. We’ve had to go without many essentials due to people’s panic shopping, stay home as mandated by government officials, and we’ve when we do go out shopping, or outdoors, we have to gear up with face masks, and gloves.
I’ve been through hurricanes before, with power outages, property damage, and empty grocery store aisles, but this has definitely been different and more taxing. I think that the most difficult challenges for me have been, constant fear from my health and that of my loved ones, especially my elderly mother and father-in-law who live alone, loss of security, economic uncertainty in the aftermath, and more importantly, physical contact with friends and family.
I’m also struggling with what others are going through. Many can’t work from home and are experiencing great financial distress. I have great concern about those who have contracted the virus, and those who have to be around it like healthcare workers, grocery, delivery, and restaurant employees. And I’m very saddened for those who have lost loved ones because of it. This is a dark time for all humanity so it’s important for all to stick together to move past it.
We’re a blended family, I have two children (boys), and my husband 3 (one girl, two boys). One is married, two have girlfriends. Our kids are all grown and out of the house so each month we host a themed dinner party to celebrate a birthday, holiday, or just catch up, and enjoy each other’s company. We eat, drink, play games, and sometimes do a craft project. With everyone having to stay in their own homes currently, our get-together’s been put on hold indefinitely, and I miss it.
I’m blessed to have someone to get through this with, and that’s my loving husband. Like many marriages, we’ve had ups and downs, but this time has especially allowed us to grow closer. He and I are fortunate to be able to work from home during this crisis and at first, I feared that too much togetherness was going to cause us to be at each other’s throat. However, it’s been the opposite. I have to say that we’ve found ways to make this time our norm for however long it needs to be. I’d like to share what’s worked for us, in case you’re struggling to get along, stay connected, and I have a few fun activities that can help the time seem less daunting.
- Plan each day and make them different from each other as much as possible. On weekdays, we work out in the morning, work, make dinner, and either take walks, read, or watch a tv series.
- Share. Watch your favorite show, play your favorite game and reciprocate. This is not a time for you to make it all about you. When my husband plays video games, which I don’t enjoy, I sit next to him and watch videos on my iPad or read.
- Start making a habit of telling each other how much you appreciate being together, hold hands while you watch TV, go on walks, if you’re up for it, cuddle at night. Talk about your future which always helps me to remain positive because it reassures that this is only temporary and brighter days are ahead.
- Have virtual happy-hours or gatherings with friends and family. Most time this makes me feel like they’re right in my living room. We share how we’re coping, what we’re struggling with, provide support, and have a few laughs.
- On weekends, we sleep in, have breakfast, go for a hike, bike ride, or tackle a household project we haven’t found the time to do before. So far, we’ve organized and decluttered our unfinished basement, and we’re currently working on cleaning, painting, and clearing out the garage. In the evenings we try making a different cocktail each night, and after either watch movies, play games or do karaoke.
- Switch rooms in the house. We rotate between our living room, bedroom, and my husband’s man cave to shake things up a bit. When the weather is nice (it still snows clear into May in Colorado), we enjoy spending time on our patio.
- Take time apart if needed. There are days when we need our space, and when one of us does, we just go to a separate room and do our separate thing. Sometimes I go for a jog, and he practices hitting goofballs in small range he has in the basement. Most of the time we don’t do it because we have to, but because it’s good for us to do our own thing.
- Lastly, stay in touch! Whether it’s via social media, phone, or video chat, make sure you let your loved ones know that you’re thinking about them. Maybe you can meet for a jog or walk (practicing social distancing and wearing masks, of course). I’ve seen people meet in the back of their trucks or SUVs. Each in their vehicle but close enough to have a person to person conversation.
I don’t know about you, but social distancing has brought us closer and I can’t wait to spend time with our children again like we used to, and this time, it will be even more special. I’ve learned to appreciate having someone there for me even more and having a family who has always loved and supported, even more during these difficult times. We’ll get through this, and I pray we all come out being a better person.