Maintain healthy family relationships in the Pandemic

As businesses, offices, schools, and universities have all moved towards online operations and all travel plans have got postponed, we are facing massive disruptions to the daily routines of our lives. The Pandemic has taken quite a toll on our mental and emotional health. Apart from fear, anxiety and concerns over our health, being home-bound with our family could also get overwhelming at times.

 

As families spend more time in the same space, it’s not surprising that tensions sometimes rise. Anxiety about work, disrupted routines, lack of social connections, and struggles to be productive at home may lead us to venting our frustrations on each other. However If we are to get through this phase successfully, now more than ever before, we need to work on building a healthy environment in our home and family. Maintaining healthy relationships is vital to our Wellbeing and Success. If we are to get through this phase, we have to GROW through this phase.

 

 1. Listen: Everyone has their own way of responding to and dealing with stress. While you may be strong, your family member may not be so. It could be very easy for you to say to them, ‘Stop getting worried, nothing will happen’, or ‘why are you so irritable.’ But they may be finding it harder to deal with this situation.

The best thing that you can do is to be softer and kinder to them. If you notice they are losing their mental peace and emotional stability, go to them, Try to understand them and their insecurities and problems. Listen to what they have to say. Encourage them to speak their heart out to you. Listening to them can be very healing for them  at such times. It will make them feel they matter, that you are there for them. It will strengthen your bond and connection with them. This will help them to get through this situation with your strength and support.

 

 

2. Have your space: It is understandable that you may be wanting your own space and need to spend some time alone in your home, but just try to do it lovingly. Don’t lose your temper over it. Instead, talk it through nicely to your partner. Be gentle and polite about your needs. Chances are they will understand and appreciate you discussed the same with them. If you say it lovingly, they will do it joyfully. Remember that.

 

3. Appreciate: Focus on the positive qualities of others and appreciate their work. Office work, along with household work could be physically and emotionally draining. So this is not the time to be critical with each other or to keep pointing out each other’s mistakes. Everyone is trying their best. Try to help each other out. Be Grateful for your family and their support. Your Appreciation and Gratitude will make them feel valued and loved.

 

 

4. Practice Self care: Maintaining a happy and healthy relationship with your family begins with taking care of yourself first. It’s really difficult for us to be patient, happy and understanding with others if we are not practicing self-care. Taking care of your own mental and physical wellbeing is a powerful way to nurture your relationships with others.

Only a glass that is filled with water can quench the thirst of others. Of what use is an empty glass? So during this time of crisis, get back to the basics:

Start Following these self care rituals  –
 

          1. Start your day with Meditation – Sitting in silence, observing your breath, connecting with your own mind and body can have a very positive influence on your mood and vibration.

       2. Choose some form of exercise – Do Yoga, stretching, jogging or walking for 15 to 20 minutes daily. These are all activities that can be done from convenience of your own home.

      3. Get Quality sleep – Get the amount of sleep that works best for you. Try to sleep on time and wake up at a regular time. Even though you may not be having to rush through your day like before, stay disciplined with your timings and routine. It will allow you to stay focused and positive.

 

All the best

Dr Karishma Ahuja

            

Also read: How to Stay Focused while working from Home