People are staying at home and self-isolating in a bid to protect themselves against coronavirus, but what happens when you are forced to spend 24 hours a day with your partner for weeks on end?
Divorce requests in China reportedly rose significantly after couples spent ‘too much time together at home’ during coronavirus self-isolation, according to register offices across the country.
As homes across the UK rapidly become shared working spaces, how do you get through it and emerge with your relationship intact?
FEMAIL has spoken to a life coach and emotional health advisor on how to live harmoniously while spending more time at home.
Here they reveal why allotting designated work spaces, spending time apart and creating date nights can help to keep you both sane.
Self-isolating can lead people to feel bored, agitated or even frustrated by having no option but to remain at home (stock image)
1. Establish your physical ‘work boundaries’
While some have the luxury of a desk each, not everyone has the space or budget to incorporate this.
Sitting at the kitchen table together could result in tensions created by a clash of laptops, phones and paperwork.
Life coach Amana Walker said: ‘Agree your “work boundary” with your partner as soon as possible.
‘If you leave it too long you will start to get in each other’s way and tension will build.’
She added how couples should outline which areas in the home, such as the kitchen table, bedroom or lounge could be used as a work space.
Amana added: ‘Be disciplined about keeping work items tidy and have a rule that you both clear them to one side at the end of the day, so that you can distinguish between work time and home time.’
2. Create date nights
When spending long periods of time with each other there is no longer an opportunity to miss your partner or save up stories to discuss at the end of the day.
Putting the spark back into your relationship while at home can be tough, especially while in close proximity every day.
Amana said: ‘If you’re able, plan date nights so you can have time away from your usual surroundings.
‘Go for a walk together at lunchtime or at weekends.’
Couples should inject an element of surprise into their relationship by complimenting each other, cooking dinner and taking pride in appearance.
Creating date nights such as cooking dinner and taking time away from everyday chores and work could help put the spark back into your relationship (file image)
3. Take breaks away from each other
Spending 24/7 with a partner could cause tiny issues to become magnified while in each other’s company.
Personal space is key to ensuring you are not suffocated while isolating at home.
Amana stresses the importance of staying in contact with friends via group chats.
She added how by sharing the challenges of ‘isolation’ with others it could make you feel less alone.
She also advised people to take sufficient breaks from their partner which could include a bath or reading a book.
‘If you need fresh air, take a walk to the shops to get a snack/coffee.
‘If you can’t do that, at least take a break away from your partner and allow yourself a bit of quiet time.’
4. Communicating how you feel
Self-isolating can lead people to feel bored, agitated and even frustrated as they have no option but to remain at home.
It is important for people to recognise these feelings before simply projecting them onto someone else, emotional health advisor Roxie Nafousi explained.
She said: ‘Take ten deep breaths, meditate, or write down your feelings in a journal.
‘Own your emotions and feelings and work through them as best you can.
‘Tell your partner how you are feeling. Saying, ‘I’m feeling a bit frustrated, I need a moment to myself”, is going to allow your partner to understand you better, and not assume you are annoyed at them.
‘Also, make sure to ask them how they are and check in with them.’
5. Being grateful
Acknowledging when your partner does something thoughtful could make for a happier working and living environment.
Small acts of kindness such as emptying the dishwasher, giving a compliment and being flexible with each other could offer support during a time of uncertainty.
Roxie said: ‘Simply saying “thank you” is both a kind thing to do and reminds you both of the love you share.’