Relationship tips – surviving pandemic stress together

Have you experienced an increase in stress and tension in your home and relationships during the pandemic? 

You’re not alone. In this post, you’ll learn how COVID-19 has been impacting relationships, as well as simple, proven tips to survive pandemic stress, together. 

Pandemic stress has had a real impact on relationships in St. Pete and beyond

As relationship therapists, we’ve seen a lot of folks seeking support for their relationships throughout the pandemic. Often, folks want clear, actionable relationship tips that will help. 

For many, pandemic stress (the stress caused by living through a pandemic) has put additional strain on their relationships, leading to increased frustration and disagreements. 

Understanding how stress works can help to normalize what you’re experiencing and to find ways to help you and your partner(s) to reduce the impacts of stress.   

Some common signs of stress

• Increased worry about your health or the health of people you know
• Changes to your sleep – sleeping more than usual or finding it hard to get to sleep and/or stay asleep
• Difficulty concentrating and remembering things
• Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
• Changes to appetite – you might feel like eating a lot more or less than usual
• Having a short-fuse with other people.

Stress can leave us feeling stretched and exhausted, which can impact how we communicate and resolve issues in our relationships. 

It’s no small task juggling change and uncertainty, especially in our homes 

The pandemic has brought a lot of change and uncertainty – how to see family and friends, increased financial pressures, fear of exposure to covid – alongside the usual stress of day-to-day life. 

With so much to juggle, it’s easy for miscommunications to happen, for partners to be snappy with one another, and for conflicts to arise. 

If your relationship is feeling the strain, here’s some good news. There are proven ways to nurture your relationship through this pandemic and beyond. We’ve compiled our top relationship tips from St. Petersburg, FL, and beyond right here.

5 Proven Relationship Tips to Help You Survive Pandemic Stress Together

Relationship Tip #1. Understand the source of your personal and relationship stress

It can be helpful to check in and ask yourself: is it really that my partner is creating this stress and tension, or is the stress and tension coming from circumstances beyond all of our control? 

If it’s clear that the stress is about external things like COVID, it can help to share how you’re feeling with your partner or partners and explore how you can tackle the stress as a team. 

Pick a time when you each have space and energy to talk. 

Relationship Tip #2. Look after YOU as an individual, too

When was the last time you did something for yourself or asked for help? 

When your needs are met you will have more energy for others in your life. 

Even taking half an hour to find a quiet room, or to take a walk around the block can be enough to give you space to be, and to recharge. 

Find out more about self-care in our blog post “Self Care – What Is It and How Do I Do It?”

Relationship Tip #3. Take the pressure off of your relationship

Are you holding your relationship to pre-pandemic expectations? The pandemic hasn’t exactly been a romantic vacation, impacting everything from date-night plans, to social energy, and sexual desire. 

If it’s feeling like a whole lot of expectation to meet your pre-pandemic relationship routines, it’s completely okay to adjust your expectations. This might look like planning a pressure-free home date with a living room picnic or a home movie and popcorn. 

The important thing is to continue to create things for you to look forward to within your relationship. Start small and ease your way back up if that feels good. 

Relationship Tip #4. Accept your differences as a couple

No two people are the same. In fact, it’s healthy to have different opinions and different interests from others in our lives, including our partners. 

However, when we’re stressed differences can sometimes feel threatening. You might start to wonder ‘is this person even on my team?’ 

When differences arise, it can help to remind yourself that your partner is on your team, and that you can have different views and still be very much in love and committed to your relationship.  

Another approach that can ease tension over differences is to be curious. 

Differences provide an opportunity to learn new things about each other. What would it be like to respond to a difference of opinion with curiosity (asking questions about your partner’s perspective)? 

For example, “I love that we’re still learning new things about each other. I’d love to learn what you enjoy about X, Y, Z?”, or “I’m interested in understanding your perspective on this, can you tell me more about X, Y, Z?”

Relationship Tip #5. Make a plan for the tough days, together.

Choose a time when you each have space and are feeling okay to talk. Make a plan for how you will navigate the tough days. 

Explore what you need from your partner or partners when you’re struggling – is it practical help to get things done, a sounding board to talk out your worries, a hug, some space to yourself, or something else?

And, what do they need from you on the tough days? 

Decide together how you will navigate communicating your needs on those days. For example: “today is challenging for me, I’m feeling quite stressed, so I’ll be spending some time in the garden. Know that I love you, and I will let you know if I need any other support.” 

Some days it might feel harder to take these steps than others. It’s okay to acknowledge when it doesn’t go to plan and try again. 

And remember, you’re not alone in this. If you’re struggling within your relationship it can be helpful to touch base with other people you know and trust to talk through your concerns. 

Another helpful option is to work with a relationship therapist, someone who isn’t involved in the situation, who can bring skills and techniques to support your relationship to move through the difficult times.

Ready to Nurture Your Relationship Through Therapy in St. Petersburg, FL?

Hopefully, these relationship tips have been helpful! Beginning the journey to your best self is easier than most of the things we’re all doing right now! Therapy does not have to wait. You can get the mental health support you need with a skilled therapist in St. Pete or with online therapy in Florida. To begin, just follow these simple steps:

1. Contact us to request an appointment
2. Meet with one of our experienced therapists.
3. Get support & begin your journey toward mental wellness & connection today!