Why Isolation Causes Household Tension (And Affordable Ways To Reduce It)

Why Isolation Causes Household Tension (And Affordable Ways To Reduce It)

By now, we’ve all become painfully familiar with the term “self-isolating.” Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve taken to spending more time at home, and over time, unfortunately, this can cause a rift in the family. When stress and tension have you down, it’s always in your best interest to look for ways to calm yourself and reclaim harmony at home. 

This doesn’t mean pricey getaways or spa sessions. There are many ways to find balance between keeping yourself safe with socially distancing and maintaining a happy household that won’t have you going broke.

Hello, Health

You might not immediately make the connection, but your health affects how you feel, and how you feel affects everybody’s stress level. Look for ways to release tension, which should begin by establishing a health and wellness regimen that embraces both exercise and watching what you eat. 

Plan to include the entire family in activities, especially  those that take place outdoors. As Therapy Changes explains, time in nature is associated with improved cognitive and emotional well-being. Hiking, mountain biking, and swimming are all excellent ways to burn calories, and these pastimes encourage the production of endorphins (happy hormones) that will instantly elevate everyone’s mood.

If you’ve never been much of an outdoors person, you may find that you are woefully under-equipped to enjoy all that mother nature has to offer. You’ll probably need to spend some money on things like beach tents, bikes, and camping gear. Fortunately, you can find coupons, discounts, and money-saving promotional codes online with just a few clicks of the mouse. Being cost-conscious can help you to avoid adding financial stress in your pursuit of improved wellness.

Self-Reflection

Another excellent way to ease tension is to spend some time by yourself. Each member of your household should have at least an hour each day to enjoy self-reflection and indulge in some quiet time. You might, for example, head to your quiet space for meditation or to engage in your favorite hobby. Keep in mind that Midwest Buddhist Meditation Center (MBMC) offers chants to enhance your session, and you can always connect personally for spiritual engagement and learning. 

Reading is another great way to enjoy an escape. Look for books that provide an emotional and mental respite. Even younger children have appropriate reading options for books, like comics that will capture their imaginations and transport them into a better headspace. Be cautious, however, when buying books, magazines, and graphic novels online; check reviews to make sure your chosen reading material is actually appropriate for all ages.

Communication

Last, but certainly not least, is learning how to communicate. Although you probably talk to your spouse and children every day, real communication is more than just words. Talk to them about how you feel about the pandemic, being stuck in the house together, and how everyone’s reacting to the new normal. Encourage them to do the same, and always be open and willing to listen, even if you don’t like what they have to say.

Keep in mind, according to the American Institute of Stress, that stress has lots of physical symptoms, including headache, insomnia, and gastrointestinal disturbances. These physical manifestations can leave you feeling depleted, rundown, and on-edge. Making a conscious effort to eliminate stress in every way possible, including by simply opening up communication, can change the way that you and your family feel about sharing your space 100% of the time.

Unfortunately, nobody really knows when the pandemic is going to end. This means we may be sitting at home for an indefinite time, and that means plenty of opportunities to fight, argue, and resent those with whom you share life. While it’s easy to get caught up in the moment, never lose sight of the fact that you’ve chosen to stay close to home for the benefit of the people you love the most.

Emma Grace Brown

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