Irrespective of where you’re around the globe, you’ve obviously felt the impact of this unprecedented outbreak, COVID-19. Businesses shutting down, employees losing their jobs, individuals panicking, stock market’s crashing, and even more sadly the death count’s climbing. Thankfully, governments are rising up to provide aid to those affected most. (For those in Canada here’s a useful link for support plans by the govt)
There’re a number of theories as to how this originated ; some say it was an accident while others say it was done on purpose. Whether or not that’s the case isn’t the crux at this point. It’s not the time to point the fingers neither is it the time to allow fear break our wall of hope; rather it’s a period for everyone to play their own part in fighting this villain. How?
You may not have the capacity to research an elixir for this virus; you may not be in the place to donate thousands or millions of cash to manufacture ventilation units or medical equipment to take care of victims, but here are some ways you can do to stay safe and fight against this terrible pandemic . (hopefully you’re aware of some of these but a reminder won’t hurt 🙂 )
1. Don’t live in fear
Yes, this is nothing like ever before. The virus is spreading like wild fire. People are getting laid off, grocery stores are running out of tissue papers, lysol, and other items too. Nonetheless, we ought to stay calm and remain hopeful. Living in fear doesn’t help and isn’t the best response to this.
In the first place, fear not only paralyzes physically but also emotionally and can negatively affect the immune system, leaving one ever more vulnerable to infections.
So, be encouraged and stay strong. This isn’t the time to feed your fear but your faith. (yes, easier said than done but it’s required and essential ) Maintain a positive mindset, we’ll get over this just fine with faith and hope.
2. Cease the opportunities
During this period most people are staying home and even working from home. This means people get to spend more time with family or for the single folk this means more time alone (awesome!). This can be a good opportunity to bond more with family members and do fun things together to grow the fam relationship. And for the singletons perhaps more time for self-reflection (although everyone needs this no doubt).
Maybe there’re some books you’ve always wanted to read or some online courses you’ve longed to take.
In essence, this is a good time to do all those ‘some-day’ tasks that never got done. It’s also a good time to review your business, career, personal, family goals/plans (and others you may have of course).
Oh and in the spirit of social distancing, you can catch up on your friends and family but via teleconference or just phone calls.
3. Take extra care of your health
Times like this call for practicing extra proper hygiene everyday to avoid contracting the virus. Here’re some key preventive actions:
- wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- regularly disinfect hands using hand-sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- avoid touching your face, mouth, nose, eyes with unwashed hands
You probably know these well. Your health comes first as usual and that’s to be taken even more seriously this period. Stay health for not just yourself but for your family, friends and loved ones.
4. Observe social distancing
The best way to begin with this is to stay at home (#stayAtHome) as much as possible. Really, quarantining is very necessary to avoid potential contact with an infected person. And if you’re infected be nice enough to stay home properly quarantined.
If you must step out for an essential purpose, be sure to maintain a 2 meter distance away from others. No handshaking of course and staying away from a crowd is definitely advisable. Wearing hand gloves and mask will provide extra layers of bulwark.
For more on the safety precautions check out this link
We’re hopeful this is temporary but how long it’s going to last for is hard to tell. But one thing we know is that humans are resilient and adaptive, born to not just survive but thrive. And that’s why I know you and I will come out of this fine, God willing.
Keep praying, keep believing .
Stay safe!!