Pastor Lisa and I have been using the SYMBIS (Save Your Marriage Before it Starts) Assessment for doing pre-marital counseling with couples over the last several years, and Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott (the creators of the assessment) just shared this very helpful article on “10 TIPS FOR WEATHERING AN UNCERTAIN SEASON TOGETHER.” Here is a summary of their list, but make sure to follow the link above to read the full article.
1. BE OPEN ABOUT YOUR STRUGGLES.
Being open will help the two of you minimize and offset potential conflicts that can arise from poor communication. It will also help you cultivate more empathy toward one another.
2. UNDERSTAND UNCERTAIN TIMES PRODUCE UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES.
Be kind to yourselves and one another if your usual rhythms are disrupted, and step up to help one another out where you can.
3. BE PATIENT WITH ONE ANOTHER.
Be prepared to exercise extra patience with your spouse during this time. Additionally, don’t be afraid to gently let one another know when they need to take a breather.
4. CREATE NEW ROUTINES.
Now might be the time to consider creating new ones–even if they’re temporary. This can add a sense of stability to an unstable situation, and might help you both feel like you’re taking back at least some measure of control.
5. CHECK ON YOUR LOVED ONES.
Make it a point to step outside your own home–literally or metaphorically–and check on the people you love.
6. HELP WHERE YOU CAN.
Serving others not only gives us the chance to bless people who need it; it also helps us to take stock of our own blessings.
7. KEEP ANXIETY AND FEAR IN CHECK.
Some helpful practices include prayer, meditation, journaling, breathing techniques, and exercise. If you aren’t able to control your anxiety through these (or similar) means, you may need to talk with a licensed mental health professional.
8. NURTURE ONE ANOTHER.
Be extra nurturing to one another during this difficult time. Seek to comfort one another–especially preemptively.
9. MAKE TIME FOR FUN.
Intentionally having fun during an uncertain season seems counterintuitive, but you need to exercise all possible ways of thriving in spite of challenges. Making time for fun will give you a positive place to put your focus and energy.
10. SEEK HELP IF YOU NEED IT.
If either (or both) of you finds that you need support for your mental or physical health during this time, don’t hesitate to seek it out. There’s no shame in getting help if the stress of a difficult season is starting to get to you. The key is to seek help as early as possible. Doing so will increase your chances of a full recovery.
From the article, 10 TIPS FOR WEATHERING AN UNCERTAIN SEASON TOGETHER
By Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, April 15, 2020. Listed under, “Communication, Marriage, Relationships” https://www.symbis.com/blog/10-tips-for-weathering-an-uncertain-season-together