COVID-19, Beyond The Panic
The COVID-19 pandemic has sent our nation and world into global pandemonium. Cases are rising rapidly daily and concerns are growing over the immense strain our healthcare system will be subjected to in the coming months. Government restrictions are increasing, with more businesses forced to close resulting in millions of people across the country facing unemployment and businesses struggling to survive. It is easy to become overwhelmed with fear and panic in such uncertain times.
We must connect, support and rally together. Now more than ever, our community spirit is imperative.
Remember to support local.
Local businesses need your support. Those businesses that for years have donated to your local sporting and social clubs need your support to survive. Continue to shop local where you can. Order a takeaway meal or utilise a local delivery service. A lot of local cafes and restaurants will have amended their menu to cater for the changing circumstances.
Buy local vegetables, buy local bread, get a takeaway coffee. Give your business to a small business.
Local musicians have had their gigs cancelled. Purchase their merchandise through their websites. If you are not in the position to do so, send them a supportive message.
Subscribe to an online class that you normally visit. Fitness classes and yoga classes are streaming their classes through online videos. This is a great way to prioritise your physical and mental health.
“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.”
Use this time to do things for yourself. Read that book you have been wanting to read. Take a walk in the fresh air. Bake a cake. Drink water. Do a jigsaw puzzle. Write down three things you're grateful for.
It is important to maintain routines where possible, try to wake up at your usual time and ensure you are nourishing your body.
Manage your exposure to media coverage. Flooding your socials with media surrounding the virus can be overwhelming and increase feelings of fear and anxiety. Ensure the sources are reliable.
Tech companies are doing their bit to educate users and combat the issue of misinformation during this period. Microsoft and Google have both launched websites to track the latest news and information surrounding COVID-19. Twitter are also providing verified ticks to users providing authentic COVID-19 related information. Instagram have launched hashtags including #thankhealthheroes, encouraging people to thank health workers for giving their best during the crisis.
“In a world where you can be anything, be kind. ”
Remember to show compassion and kindness to one another. Times of fear, isolation and uncertainty it is important to strengthen our sense of community.
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. ”
Call a friend, check up on them. Create a family Skype call. Have a coffee with your friends via FaceTime. Smile at a stranger. Use the newest Netflix party feature, the newest way to watch Netflix with your friends online.
We don't need to feel alone even if we are isolating.
After all we are the most connected generation in history, let's use that!
Let's remind ourselves, that nothing lasts forever. We will get through this together as a community, stronger, more grateful and more resilient than ever before.
“When this is over, may we never again take for granted
A handshake with a stranger
Full shelves at the store
Conversations with neighbors
A crowded theatre
Friday night out
A taste of communion
A routine check up
The school rush each morning
Coffee with a friend
The stadium roaring
Each deep breath
A boring Tuesday
Life itself.
When this ends,
may we find
that we have become
more like the people
we wanted to be
we were called to be
we hoped to be
and may we stay
that way - better
for each other
because of the worst.”
