Tips for Too Much Togetherness--Part 1

Most of us really enjoy time with our family, but what happens when there seems to be too much of a good thing? If you are in this situation here are today’s tips:

Stick to a Regular Sleep Schedule
Even if you don’t have to leave the house at the crack of dawn, going to sleep at a reasonable time and setting an alarm to wake up is advisable. Getting sufficient sleep will not only help you feel more rested, it will enable you to deal effectively with stress. Stress these days comes in all forms: news about the virus and its spread, the economic downturn, and even too much time spent cooped up with family.  Most importantly, getting adequate sleep will strengthen your immune system! All the more reason to put sleep near the top of your priority list these days.

Give Your Day Structure
Whether you are working from home, spending time with the kids, or just trying to get through each day without falling apart, make sure to create a daily schedule. Your plan should include time for: meals, exercise, household and job tasks, speaking with family and friends, hobbies, and disconnecting from all media. 

Discuss Your Plan with Others in Your Household
Nothing is more upsetting than walking into the only room in the house that has strong internet reception and privacy, only to find that your partner has set up her office there and is in the middle of a teleconference. Likewise, she may have an important call at 3 pm, but if you’re on a work deadline and neither one of you has communicated your needs, there may be no one to watch the kids from 3-4 pm. Having a daily discussion can help you both have your professional and childcare needs met. 

​Be Flexible
​Your goal should be to have your core needs met—but also have your partner’s core needs met. If both of you can try to make be accommodating to all requests that don’t conflict with your core needs, then you’ll both feel important, you’ll both feel that you are a priority to your partner, and you’ll both get all of your core needs met. (For more information about how we define a core need, stay tuned for the next Daily Tips).

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