I Feel Well. What Should I Be Doing About Coronavirus?
ROZ DONOVAN,
N.D.
First of all, social distancing. This means stay away from people. Work from home if you can, take time off from your regularly scheduled gatherings. See if you can switch to an online version of church, book club, friend’s night, networking etc. If you must go out into the world, where there are other people, stay at least 6 feet away from them. You can still say ‘hi!’ and smile if that is your desire, and a little kindness in this time of unease is helpful.
Make a schedule, create a new routine. Anxiety and mental anguish love a bored brain. Do a little research on how you want to spend your time: some people are watching contagion movies on Netflix and getting comfort from them, others are writing that novel, doing that research, establishing a new exercise routine, taking advantage of free online courses, planning or planting their garden, writing longhand letters to friends and loved ones. Clean your living space, open windows if you can, cook food and enjoy this time of slowing down.
Spend some time outside every day. Away from people does not have to mean locked in your house. Take a walk around your neighborhood and enjoy the new spring sights and smells or drive out of town and take a hike. Wear layers and hydrate, bring a snack or a picnic meal.
If you have kids at home from school, they need a schedule and outside time as well. This is a disruptive time and they are likely feeling the anxiety. A plan and a schedule will help them feel like everything will be ok. Schedule some online time for them and their friends through FaceTime, or Skype, or Zoom. Encourage them to make art, write stories, play board games and help out with cleaning and cooking. This is a remarkable time for family bonding.
Look for resources to help with food, whether your family is food insecure or just to pass on to others who may be. The Portland public school district is supplying breakfast and lunch on days which would otherwise have been school days at elementary schools around town. Laughing Planet has generously offered to provide free lunch to kids who qualify for the Meal Assistance Program. Khan Academy has free online curriculum for keeping out of school kids up to date on their learning. If your child does not have a device to use for online learning, get in touch with their school to see if they have one available to borrow.
Do not go to birthday parties or have play dates in person. Children are less likely to get sick from this virus, but they make great vectors for spreading it around.
Write thank you notes to your mail delivery person, your local hospital, your grocery store workers and public transportation providers. Gratitude is emotionally and physiologically important for us all.
If you can, and feel called to, help your neighbors by making a trip to the grocery store. Give them some toilet paper or hand sanitizer if you have more than you need. Wash your hands.
Rest, breathe, engage in social activity by using the telephone, or a screen, or letter writing.
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