How to survive self-isolation with housemates

By Lauren Ferrone
Published: Thursday, April 23, 2020

Spending time with your housemates can be a great way to wind down after a long day at work, but being attached at the hip isn’t for everyone. Here are 3 ways to get the balance right and co-exist peacefully during self-isolation.

1. Prepare a feast together

Food has always brought people together – think Christmases, birthdays, and now, global pandemics.

If you usually prepare dishes separately, now’s the perfect time to share a meal. Maybe make the house dinner a weekly event.

Designate one member of the household to carry out shopping duties or there’s always Uber Eats.

As well as giving you all something to look forward to, it’s an easy way to bond with your housemates and form a closer friendship.

Woman setting dinner table while friend prepares food in the background. — Cook up a feast with your housemate. Image: iStock

2. Keep your space

You’ve heard it time after time: distance yourself from others – 1.5m to be exact. But sometimes, for those living under the same roof, a little extra space wouldn’t hurt.

Chances are you’re not just living together; you’re working together too. Know your boundaries and try to keep things professional during the day. For example, if your housemate is on a video call in the study, get some fresh air and set up your workspace outdoors.

When it’s time to knock off, take off your work hat, put your feet up and enjoy some down time together.

Man working on his laptop in the garden. — Know when to keep your distance. Image: iStock

3. Get some fresh air

Feel like the walls are closing in on you? Luckily, you can still step outside for some exercise as long as you stick to social distancing rules. Best of all, you can enjoy the fresh air on your own, or with one of your housemates.

Whether it’s a simple backyard workout or a brisk walk around the block, there are a many ways you can strengthen your body, as well as your bond.

RAA membership perk: If you and your housemates are RAA members, you can each get 10% off selected bikes and accessories at Bicycle Express.

Man and woman riding bicycles. — Spend some time with your housemate outside of the house. Image: iStock

Quick quarantine tips for housemates

Make it clear if you need space, but try to value your time together just as much.
Help your housemate/s even if you’re not rostered on for cleaning duties. Now is the time to increase cleanliness, and many hands make light work.
Remember we’re all in this together. Having someone, like a housemate, to talk to can do wonders for your mental health. Cue the movie marathons – just organise who’s on popcorn duty before the opening credits start.