{"id":1475,"date":"2021-08-02T11:11:07","date_gmt":"2021-08-02T04:11:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.co.th\/blog\/?p=1475"},"modified":"2021-08-02T13:28:35","modified_gmt":"2021-08-02T06:28:35","slug":"how-to-maintain-relationships-in-self-isolation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.co.th\/blog\/how-to-maintain-relationships-in-self-isolation\/","title":{"rendered":"How to maintain relationships in self-isolation"},"content":{"rendered":"

While the COVID-19 situation is getting better in many countries (due to the successful rollout of vaccines), cases and hospitalization are rapidly increasing in Thailand. The country\u2019s dark red zone, which includes its capital, Bangkok, and surrounding provinces, is under semi-lockdown with a number of restrictions on gathering. As such, locals and expats find themselves stuck at home for the most part.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

No doubt, this is a challenging time for all. The uncertainty and\/or loneliness can negatively affect our mental health. But hang in there. Things will get better eventually. Until then, it\u2019s important to maintain relationships and remain positive. Whether it\u2019s with your significant other or with friends and family, this <\/span>Pacific Prime Thailand<\/span><\/a> article gives you some ideas and suggestions to do so. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\"Individual<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n

How to maintain relationships with your significant other\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Are you separated from your loved ones? Even though Thailand\u2019s borders are open to anyone who can pay for a <\/span>mandatory 14-day quarantine in an alternate state facility (ASQ)<\/span><\/a> or take part in its <\/span>Phuket Sandbox program<\/span><\/a>, this isn\u2019t always an option for couples. Some may find themselves unable\/unwilling to take time off work for this long or risk traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Note<\/b>: Depending on the success of the Phuket Sandbox program, other cities in Thailand will follow and adopt similar programs. What\u2019s more, the <\/span>Prime Minister has pledged that the country will open up completely in October 2021<\/span><\/a> (though nothing is set in stone as of yet).<\/span><\/p>\n

Or maybe you\u2019re blessed and have the joy of living with your partner? Even so, being locked up in a tiny space for extended periods of time can lead to frustration and negatively impact your relationship. Whether you disagree over how to stay safe during the pandemic or are simply dealing with your own respective issues, it can be a challenge trying to maintain relationships in self-isolation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For couples who are not living together<\/span><\/h3>\n

As the saying goes, \u201cabsence makes the heart grow fonder\u201d. If you\u2019re being locked away from your lover, it won\u2019t be long before you start missing them. The best way to deal with a long-distance relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic is to remind yourself that you\u2019re not alone. There are thousands of couples in the same boat as you. Use this time to work on yourself, as well as your other relationships, which may also be rewarding for your love life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To deal with the loneliness, you can also video call and message your partner and spend quality time hanging out together. Just because you\u2019re apart at the moment doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t have fun or enjoy each other\u2019s company. Watch a film together using the Netflix Party extension (or something similar), do an online jigsaw together, or engage in any other activity that brings you closer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other than this, you may also be missing the physical contact of your partner. While you can tackle this problem via technological devices such as internet-linked pillows that glow and warm up when the other is being hugged, you may also send your loved one something tangible like a handwritten letter. After all, having something concrete that you can hold in your hands makes it more present and relatable, and can help soothe your lonely heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

For couples who are living together<\/span><\/h3>\n

Living apart from your lover also has its merits if you can see it as a testament to your strength of feeling. As mentioned previously, isolating together may bring its own stresses. Some people may vent their negative emotions due to quarantine such as frustration and anger onto their lover, leading to long-lasting effects on their relationships.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you need to spend a large amount of time with another person, here are some extra tips for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stick to your individual routines<\/span><\/h4>\n

You should follow your pre-quarantine routine as much as possible and try not to let your partner get in your way. No matter how much you like to stick around your partner, it\u2019s best that you take some time every day to invest in yourself. To begin, you can try creating your own space so you can engage in your own interests. This will help create a distinction between time together and apart.<\/span><\/p>\n

Exercise more and practice mindfulness<\/span><\/h4>\n

Having at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day can help boost your mental and physical wellness. There are now heaps of indoor exercises and fitness videos online for your reference. You can also establish a routine to make it a habit for yourself. What\u2019s more, you can squeeze mindfulness-related activities into your workday to help you stay grounded as well. Whether it\u2019s meditation, journaling, painting, or more, your options are indeed endless!<\/span><\/p>\n

Be open<\/span><\/h4>\n

Speaking of physical activity, it is natural that you want to get intimate with your partner but you should not be too concerned about how much sex you are having. Just go with the flow and do what feels right. If you feel that intimacy during self-isolation is an issue, just talk it through with your partner. As in other aspects of life, couples should have open conversations and discuss their feelings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Be positive<\/span><\/h4>\n

While it may not be the easiest time to focus on the positives, doing so can help to avoid unnecessary fights between you and your partner. Instead of seeing your partner\u2019s flaws, you should try to be more grateful and empathetic. For example, you can show appreciation for the meals your partner prepared. Keep reminding yourself that this quarantine, while indefinite, is not going to last forever.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to maintain relationships with your friends and family<\/span><\/h2>\n

Both introverts and extroverts will (at some point) begin missing interacting with their friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, or even acquaintances. It’s no wonder we crave social interaction – it\u2019s good for our health! This is based on the findings of Dan Buettner, a National Geographic Fellow and author of <\/span>The Blue Zones<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Speaking at the <\/span>World Economic Forum<\/span><\/a>, Buettner used Nicoya, Costa Rica (a Blue Zone) as a case study. In Nicoya, people value social connection and get 7-8 hours of daily face-to-face meaningful conversations with people that matter to them. Accordingly, Buettner found that health, happiness, and longevity are contagious.<\/span><\/p>\n

To top it off, those with good social interactions also report better health such as:<\/span><\/p>\n