It seems like just yesterday we were completely uninterested in our communities hand washing habits. (I mean, we were hopeful it was happening- but that’s not all we were thinking about.) And now you can’t open a door without wondering where the nearest sink is located.
There is a LOT going on, but there are a few things to remember if you want to keep your head above the water during this crazy time.
Here are 6 things that are essential to remember during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
1. Fact Check
When the word “Coronavirus” is mentioned in the media more than 1.1 BILLION times, in every living room, coffee shop, and work place across America- it’s unrealistic to expect that every statement is 100% true. Do your own work to stay informed on what’s real, what’s rumored, and what is straight up CRAZY- TALK.
Know the REAL data, not what your neighbors, moms, coworker heard.
Check reliable sources for data (like the CDC) and don’t give space to any panic that comes from rumors.
* Note: “Reliable” means- unbiased and educated. Not your favorite social media accounts, blogs, neighbors, celebrity twitter account, etc.
2. Look at the Larger Picture.
I get that it can be scary when you see things like the NBA, schools and universities, work places, and travel being limited, closed down, or canceled. But be aware that this is part of a bigger strategy to slow the spread of the virus.
The concern isn’t about the average person getting sick, it’s to limit the threat to immunocompromised populations and give time to the systems and structures that we need [like hospitals] to be able to handle the work that is coming their way.
Remember that the hospitals were full of people in need of life saving procedures (surgeries, treatments, therapies, etc) BEFORE the Coronavirus hit, and a wave of more sick people will only make it harder and more complicated to treat the people already fighting for their lives.
You don’t have to like or understand all the closures, but recognize there are several moving parts.
3. Support the Economy [Especially Small Businesses] from Home.
Many fear the effects of closing so many businesses will have on the economy and that concern is valid! Do what you can to support businesses during this time- especially small businesses.
HOW TO SUPPORT THE ECONOMY FROM HOME:
- Buy Gift Certificates to favorite spots/ local shops to use down the road
- Don’t cancel recurring memberships to gyms, studios, shops if you don’t have to
- Support small businesses by buying online or ordering over the phone
- Shop online
- Offer to help with childcare for people who do have to go into work
- Don’t stockpile out of fear.
4. Support Your Immune System
You might not be able to prevent the coronavirus from spreading entirely. But you CAN support your body to have a stronger response to fighting it.
Vitamin A, C, D, Zinc and Elderberry are great options for supporting your immune system- ANY time of the year. But especially now.
5. Look for the Helpers
“When I was a boy and would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
Mr. Rogers
It’s so easy to get swept up in the panic. And when that happens an overwhelming sense of doom follows quickly behind it.
When the world is hurting- whether its time of natural disasters, war, or todays pandemic- look for the helpers. Look for the people who are going out of their way to lighten the load of others and who are looking for/ creating solutions.
The ripple effects that come when “normal” procedures are interrupted are too high to count- be aware of whats affected [whether it effects you directly or not] and how you can be a helper to any area.
HOW YOU CAN BE A HELPER:
- Offer to run errands or grocery shop for elderly/ immunocompromised populations (who are most at risk)
- With schools closed, help solve childcare needs for people who don’t get to work from home. (First responders, doctors, nurses,etc)
- With schools closed, share how kids can get access to the meals they would normally receive at school and might not receive at home.
- Wash your hands, and stay inside if you are sick
- Be aware of the people around you and how they are being affected. Help create solutions.
6. BE THE PEACE for the people, places and spaces you’re a part of.
It’s no secret that a lot of people are afraid. You can do YOUR part in preventing panic by carrying yourself in a non-panicked manner.
Running through the grocery store, acting in a rude or impatient manner to the people around you, or spreading unreliable/ untrue information- does not serve anyone.
If you’re leaving the house, make sure you are ready to carry yourself in a way that serves the community- not takes away from it.
It’s ok and totally natural to feel afraid- but don’t stay there.
Don’t get stuck in a mental state that is unhelpful or harmful to the people around you.
A healthy awareness of what’s going on and how you can help keep your community safe is productive. Fear and panic are paralyzing. Choose wisely.
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