We are living in dark times. We have only to look at the news to realize that your health, your family, and your lives are at stake. The COVID-19 virus has quickly overtaken nations and threatened almost every aspect of life as we know it.
1. Practice social distancing
The CDC recommends that people practice social distancing at this time. The less contact that we have with others via public places and crowds, the less likely we are to spread the infection to others. If we discover that we have symptoms, it best to quarantine yourself and others in your household until illness subsides. Stock up on plenty of indoor projects, make sure your internet connection is solid, and prepare for a little bit of quiet time while we all work together for the common good.
2. Wear protective gear if you have some
Items like masks, gloves, and other protective gear can be worn if you need to go out in public at this time. Refrain from touching your face, mouth, and eyes, as these are all entry points to your upper respiratory system, and there are some serious germs on your hands. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, and use hand sanitizer if you are unable to find a sink nearby. Taking precautions early will reduce the spread of the disease to you and to others.
3. Don’t invite bacteria into your home
If you have been wearing shoes and clothing that have come into contact with public surfaces, it’s best to remove and wash them as soon as you enter your home. Taking a shower at least once daily is not only good hygiene, it’s a great way to eliminate excess bacteria that may have wandered in with you. These actions may seem a little extreme right now, but doing too much is better than doing too little and contracting the virus.
4. Keep your immune system healthy
You can keep your immune system working hard for you by eating well, getting plenty of water, and supplementing with critical vitamins that will help to keep your body’s immune system work more efficiently. If you are immuno-compromised or if you have other underlying health issues, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about what you can do to help protect yourself and strengthen what you do have to work with.
5. Keep up your fitness routine
If you can, keep your regular schedule of exercise as one of your daily activities. Exercise is a mood booster, it strengthens your immune system, and it strengthens your whole body. In a time where strength is critical, regular physical activity is just another piece of staying healthy.
6. Stock up on food and other essentials
Without going overboard, it is important to make sure you have food, water, and supplies for taking care of your household at this time. Many people panic and overspend, overbuy, and take supplies to the detriment of others, and it is important to realize that we are all in this together. Who needs 15 packages of toilet paper? Working together and sharing supplies will ensure that we all have what we need to get through this difficult time together.
7. Stay calm, consider unplugging
There is nothing quite like a global pandemic to put things in perspective. It is hard to determine which stories are accurate, and there seems to be a negative tone in these stories that evokes fear in many of us. We have two options—we can panic buy, hide, and take our stress and frustration out on our families, or we can unplug from all the madness, remain calm, and focus on building even stronger relationships that will be essential in the days, weeks, and months to come. We may be facing a global crisis right now, but we have incredible opportunities to demonstrate acts of kindness, nobility, and integrity in the midst of all the chaos. Take the high road, see the silver lining in all of this, and focus on small moments that you can be grateful for; we will get through this—-together.
