“Coronavirus” or COVID-19 has turned most of our lives completely upside down. Places are shutting businesses down, people are losing their jobs if they are unable to work from home, schools and universities are closed or switching to online-only formats, people in certain industries are risking their health as they continue to work with the public, some families are stressed because of the lack of resources available, people who are at the highest risk, including those with health problems, are very nervous, there is a world-wide problem finding toilet tissue, and this is all a result of facing an illness that has been unpredictable and much worse than the flu.
Many countries and their governments are working around the clock to come up with solutions to help their citizens in the aftermath of this crisis and all most of us can do is sit around, wash our hands, stay six feet away from people, avoid visiting people at risk of getting very sick, and wearing gloves. Despite popular belief, masks should not be used unless you are already sick.
As we all face COVID-19, there are 10 things we should remember during this unprecedented time:
1. If you don’t feel well, seek medical attention.
If you are having trouble breathing or are having a hard time managing your symptoms of illness, no matter what part of the world you are in, please seek medical attention as soon as possible. Countries around the world have their own procedures for this illness so reach out to your local medical provider, health provider, or disease control center to get instructions on what to do.
2. Focus on what can be done.
As long as we socially isolate, wash our hands, and avoid going out in public unless for food or medicine, most of us will survive to the other side. Focus on what we can do to prevent illness. It’s easy to say not to worry if you aren’t in an “at-risk” job role. I acknowledge this. My only advice for those still working in “at-risk” environments is to “un-plug” at the end of the day and spend time just resting and taking your mind off of your worries for a while. The human body is not meant to withstand long periods of stress, so it is important to take care of oneself.
3. Try not to dwell on “the chaos” and focus on one day at a time.
Stay informed of the latest updates surrounding COVID-19, if you must, but if it becomes overwhelming take a break and focus on other things.
4. Be kind to one another.
Now, more than ever, we must remember to be kind to one another or remember classic advice: “If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
5. Follow all advice to stay home if your area requires it.
Follow all laws and regulations in your area. Breaking the law may not only get you into legal trouble, but it will put yourself or others in danger.
If you don’t think social distancing or self-quarantine will make a difference, look at the recent example of what happened to the people of Italy who failed to do these things.
6. Use healthy ways to de-stress such as meditation or exercise.
Take advantage of mediation apps, online tutorials, and live streams of exercise classes or yoga sessions.
7. Get creative with how to best use your time.
A couple of articles that explore this topic:
· Ideas for personal enrichment
· Ideas for family activies
8. Use the internet as a way to stay connected with loved ones.
Whether you host “streaming parties” on Netflix or on Facebook, FaceTime, or other online services, use the power of the internet to stay connected with your loved ones.
Check-in with family too and as often as you can.
9. Experts are working around the clock to help resolve this pandemic.
As reassurance, let’s all remember that medical experts are working around the clock to find a vaccine for this illness (including brave people who are volunteering to help with vaccine tests) and governments are collaborating with disease experts to minimize loss of life and economic impact.
It’s unnerving and stressful to not know how the virus will react to each individual. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, panicked, angry, or uncertain. Most people are very anxious at the uncertainty. Worrying or being stressed is not going to help anyone, including yourself. Reach out for support during this uncertain time or seek medical assistance if you are having health issues from anxiety.
10. “This too, shall pass.”
About the Author
Dena Elerian is a Freelance Writer from Cleveland, OH in the United States. She enjoys writing fiction but can adapt to nearly any writing style. She enjoys helping others while accomplishing personal goals of growth and prosperity.
Follow her on Instagram denaelerian
Comentarios