A week ago my town was a different place. There wasn’t a limit on purchasing toilet paper, beef or chicken. Lines didn’t form outside grocery stores before they were even opened. The Corona Virus is having a global impact. It’s easy to become panicked. If we take a step back it’s even easier to pause and take necessary measures to do our best to protect our family and friends. I believe our mindset is significant. This week’s post? We’ll look at five ways to rise above the Corona Virus.
Dude, wash your hands
It’s crazy that we need to remind people of this, but as my Uncle Meyer used to say, “it is what it is.” With our kids, ourselves, our neighbors and friends let’s make a vigilant effort to soap those hands up and wash, wash, wash. It’s not just after using the bathroom, but being aware of what we are coming in contact with.
We’ve been homebound the past few days and with that I’ve made a concerted effort to sanitize our door knobs, toys, counter tops and our cars. Whatever we can do to keep ourselves and those we can potentially come in contact with safe, the better off we all are.
Numero dos….
Self care! Who has time to add self care to the mix with a pandemic? You want to get through with less stress and anxiety? Well then, self care it is. Maybe it’s taking ten minutes before the day begins in prayer or meditation. It could be drawing a bath once the kids are in bed.Or how about rocking out some essential oils in the car while having to take that drive up the road for loading up on groceries? Self care is in many forms. Taking time for ourselves has to be part of our lifestyle not an added sprinkle in here and there.
It’s a struggle for a lot of us right now to not feel inundated with the negativity around us. A great way to ward off the craziness? Self care. A little you time goes a heck of a lot further than putting ourselves on the back burner.
Social media distancing
Tweets, Instagram stories, CNN reports and whatever else is floating out there is teeming with panic, negativity and craziness. Being informed is one thing, allowing ourselves to become saturated by a message that can evoke anxiety is another. Find balance in what you expose yourself to. Unplug. Grab a book. Play a board game. There are unlimited benefits to being present and reconnecting with ourselves and other human beings.
Five ways to rise above the Corona Virus
We’re only on number four, but our mindset in rising above something that is globally present is important. Social distancing? It’s one of the most important components in flattening the spread of a virus that packs a brutal punch.
This isn’t just about us. It’s about those deemed in the high risk zone. Individuals over 60 are at risk. As are those with immune deficiencies or pre-existing conditions such as asthma, hyper tension or heart conditions. You can be a carrier without even knowing it and pass it on to someone you come in contact with.
Take measures that will inconvenience us briefly and potentially save lives. Stay home. Reconnect with a book, writing, music or simply being away from the craziness that typically surrounds us on a daily basis.
Go outside
Yes. Go outside. Whether you live in Montana, Florida or New Mexico; go outside. Being indoors for the next thirty days can trigger anxiety or depression. It can kick our emotional butts. Sit on a bench outside your house. Grab a seat on your porch or take in some sun rays on a lawn chair. Go for a walk. Ride your bike. Keep socially distant, but utilize the power of nature.
Fresh air is a gift. Breathe it in. Bursts of sun on our face can clear our mind and invigorate us. Even if you have to set a reminder to get outside for ten or fifteen minute clips a few times a day, do it. This in itself is a form of self care. Take care of you and it sets us up to be healthier and more effective in the many other roles we assume.
Five ways to rise above the Corona Virus
I could write twenty more tips or strategies. But I won’t. Implement these and I can assure you it will make the next few weeks or months be less harried and anxiety provoking.
We need one another with the road ahead. Take measures to safe guard yourself, but check in on loved ones and your neighbors. This is uncharted territory for all of us. Let’s kick into a community and family mindset. We need it more than ever.
Wishing you a day brimming with peace, love and social distancing.
