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First, if you're finding yourself overwhelmed at this very moment, I invite you to close your eyes briefly and breathe in as much air as you can and release slowly. Repeat at least 3 times, then breathe normally before continuing on. Once you find yourself a bit calmer and open to some (new?) guidance, you may take a moment and go through the following questions & respond honestly (as each individual has their own unique situation):
1) Are you generally an introvert or extrovert?
2) Which sources of information do you trust the most? [This could be experts in the field, weblinks, trusted colleagues, friends, etc.] Are you following the guidelines set forth by your trusted news source(s)/places of employment/schools?
3) How would you like to feel today? What can you do to serve your communities and/or loved ones?
4) Name/list 5 things daily that you are grateful for/appreciative/happy about. [Try to list different moments daily.]
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I have taken it a step further and written some insights and guidelines to possible responses to the questions above.
1) If you answered introvert, the safer-at-home order may not be an issue for you at all. In fact, introverts may find this time useful for having more time for tasks that have been put off--such as cleaning, organizing, learning a new language, or perhaps do-it-yourself (DIY) projects that can be managed at home. There's even a meme going out there about this time being an online video gamer's dream. On a more serious note, you may not want to forget to do something active for at least 30 min - one hour per day, until you feel balanced mentally and physically.
Extroverts may have more of a challenge, however since I'm a mix of both, I find that technology has helped me the most in this area. For example, video-conferencing, social media, and outlets that keep us connected to our loved ones are most helpful when we need that kind of interaction. Taking virtual online classes bring on new meaning as I look forward to yoga and dance at least 2x a week.
I realize not everyone may be privileged enough to have access to high speed internet. It would be my hopes that our government could figure out how to give these populations access especially for underprivileged communities who may need it for themselves or their children's education. Meanwhile, extroverts who do not have such access may try writing letters to friends & loved ones, trying new recipes for family members, catching up with friends and family via phone calls, and going out daily (applying the 6 ft. rule) and smiling at those around the neighborhood or having conversations within a safe distance when taking walks or grocery shopping. If anyone has any more ideas for people who don't have internet, please feel free to write in the comments.
2) I'm one who appreciates and takes seriously the facts given by experts in the field. A few sources I trust are the following:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/22/health/coronavirus-restrictions-us.html
https://medium.com/@tomaspueyo/coronavirus-the-hammer-and-the-dance-be9337092b56
https://www.cdc.gov
I also really do appreciate this flyer distributed by my health plan provider: Flyer which not only has general information, but also discusses ways for us to do our part during these urgent times. Hopefully it helps those of you who need it, but please ignore phone numbers on the flyer especially if we don't have the same health plan.
3) There will definitely be unique answers to this one. My response has consistently been in line with "Safe and healthy." Without both, I would not be able to work my day job, serve the community or help those who need it. What I have done is use technology to keep in touch with loved ones, thus following the social distancing methods. I call my mother every day as she lives alone and I work with my siblings to get her the things she needs, as she fits the definition of high risk for the covid-19 virus. Whatever response you give to this question will determine how you feel and carry out your days.
4) This too will vary from person to person. I challenge and highly encourage you to make this a daily routine until the curve is flattened and our lives are restored to normalcy. (Some people choose to list 3 or up to 10. Feel free to modify it so you have at least more than 1 highlights per day.)
If anyone is curious about what my 5 lately have been. Here goes: a) Being able to work from home. b) Finding laughter each day. c) Air is fresher outside. d) Speaking to loved ones daily. e) Slowing down and discovering what's most important.
Please keep in mind that extreme anxiety and even depression calls for professionals so I highly encourage you, if you are in this group to do research in your area for a support group. Otherwise I managed to find the following: "If you are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed, call 1-800-854-7771 or text "LA" to 741741."
I would also like to conclude this post with a quote from my favorite author and spiritual mentor, Anita Moorjani pertaining to the pandemic. She says, "I just want to gently remind everyone that the best thing we can all do for ourselves, our families, and our immune system is to stay calm and find peace in all of this. I'm not asking you to be irresponsible, but it's not necessary to constantly be in panic mode or survival mode. Remember we are all in this together - so let's all take a breath, and treat this as an opportunity to slow down. It's not just happening to a few random people - it's all of us. We can meditate, pray or send energy to all of those on the front lines of this, and those who are directly affected. We can offer our help where we can, picking up groceries for those who can't do it for themselves. We can focus on improving our own health and our immune system, and act responsibly if we are feeling unwell at all. We can offer support to those who may be losing their jobs through this, or ask for support if you are the one who is struggling. In fact, there is a LOT that we CAN do! The one thing that is pointless is if all of us went into survival mode, because that's what brings out the worst in us! It doesn't help the situation, and doesn't help our immune system either! ....When we realize we are all in this together, it will pass with more ease and grace."
