Five Things to Remember During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Photo by Mark Sanchez on Unsplash
1. It’s okay to miss the way things were. While none of us, including experts, know if this is the “new normal,” or at least will be for the unforeseeable future, it’s natural to miss the way things were before quarantines, shelter in place orders, and daily news stories of Coronavirus victims. I know I miss sitting in Starbucks and simply going out to eat, or leaving my home without a face mask on. While there are many videos of people making the best of the quarantine, and we should make the best of a difficult decision, don’t feel bad if you don’t feel like dancing in a TikTok video.
2. Avoid stress in any way you feel is best for you. I know that during the beginning of the pandemic I didn’t go anywhere aside from weekly trips to the grocery store. I wore masks even though they weren’t recommended yet, and I wiped down all my groceries with a combination of bleach and water. I was led by fear and uncertainty, but this was something that made me feel less stressed out. The “novel” Coronavirus was highly contagious, not understood, and spreading across the world rapidly. News coverage was full of overcrowded hospitals, patients dying without the comfort of being surrounded by loved ones, and horror stories from those who’d survived the Coronavirus. It almost felt like the end of the world. I literally watched the news and checked it on my phone all day. Now, I check my phone maybe once a day for Coronavirus updates. I dedicate about an hour a day to recent updates, the rising death toll, and advancements in curbing the outbreak. I can not overstate how this has decreased my stress levels. Now I go out, just with a mask on and while practicing social distancing. I don’t dine inside restaurants or gather in any way, but I don’t stay locked inside either. As a person who recently returned to work, I follow all safety precautions.
3. Take care of yourself. It’s a fact that the Coronavirus has a greater negative impact on those with preexisting conditions or who are in poor health. If you’re not in good physical shape, now is a good time to improve your health. Exercise and healthy eating will be pivotal in strengthening your immune system in case you contract the Coronavirus. From the beginning, I have been taking large doses of Vitamin C, as well…
