How to Live with Family During This Pandemic

Ok, for some of us this is week four of living together. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family, I just didn’t necessarily plan on spending 24 hours a day, seven days a week with them with no end in sight. Ok, I’m taking a deep breath right now. Just typing that sentence had me panic just a wee bit. Anyway, during this new norm we find ourselves in, it requires certain skills even more to navigate them. A reminder, these skills apply to any living situation you find yourself in, including with pets.

Skills critical to use during this pandemic:

1. Communication. Communicating is important in life period. So, it is no surprise that it is number 1 for isolating at home. It is important to have respectful honest communication. Sharing your feelings with each other and understanding everyone is under a lot of pressure in this new normal.
2. Active Listening. This is a critical component of communication. Paying attention to what the other person is saying without judgment. I know that is a big ask. Listening to them and considering their viewpoint. Parents model this behavior for your children. It will serve them well throughout their lives.
3. Self-care. Maintain your normal schedule as much as possible. Getting a good night’s sleep, eating healthy, exercise. All these will help you maintain a positive attitude even during these very challenging times.
4. Family-care. Keep an eye on each other. Reach out to someone that might be struggling, offer an ear to just listen to what they are feeling at that moment. Participate in family activities and volunteer to do chores you might not have done before. Pitch in, help clean the house, do laundry, or wash the dinner dishes.
5. Family-culture. Work together as a team. Decide on expectations of all the members of the household, define the rules, and be there for each other. Now is not the time to compete. Now is the time to come together and help each other get through these unprecedented times.

Even if you are isolating alone, be kind to yourself, reach out to friends and family, and remember self-care is most important.

Use this time to do the things you haven’t had time to do in the past. Cooking, spring cleaning, going through your closet, reading that big pile of books on your desk. Try to stay positive, remember to stop and take a deep breath before saying anything, remind yourself this is temporary. Most importantly, we are all in this together and it is critical to do this self-quarantining for everyone. This is not us versus them. This is for the whole planet.

If you would like help during these unprecedented times, I am offering what I’m calling Coronavirus Laser Coaching sessions. It is at a deeply reduced cost, $25 per 30-minute session/s, to help you with whatever you have going on. From brainstorming ideas to working from home issues, or to just listen. Please remember this is not therapy and I’m not a therapist. If you are interested, please reach out.