Let’s face it, life is pretty uncertain right now. Most people are frantic and panicking because of uncertainty. We are in uncharted territory with the SARS-Covid 19 virus wreaking havoc worldwide. Many countries are not instituting any precautions, others are on lock-down, and the inconsistency will keep the count of infected rising.
So what can we do when life feels like such a slippery slope and people are hoarding toilet paper? First of all, don’t panic and add to the hysteria. Next…
Wash your hands and disinfect surfaces
Don’t touch your face!
Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze and your mouth when you cough (with the crook of your elbow)
When you start feeling panicky, ground yourself (see grounding exercise below)
Reach out and help someone else, whether it is a kind word or gesture, helping others helps you
Take care of YOUR little corner of the world. Your ‘stay healthy’ habits will help. If everyone was doing that, we could slow the virus in 2 weeks!
Stay out of large crowds - not necessarily because you are infected but others may be and may not be practicing safe health recommendations (and you can be sick and not even know it)
Don’t buy into the hoarding hysteria. A fundamental rule of life is that what we feed into grows. Feed your health, optimism, and safe health practices!
The virus will slow down eventually. The more we ALL practice safe health habits, the sooner that will happen.
When you feel stressed, panicky, or unsettled, try this simple grounding exercise.
Sit down in a comfortable spot.
Close your eyes.
Feel your feet on the ground.
Feel your body in the chair.
Take in three deep breaths, holding on the inhale, and slowly exhaling.
Let go of the stress you are holding in your hands, shoulders, neck, and jaw
Listen for ambient sounds around you
Take in three more deep breaths slowly
Open your eyes
Grounding helps orient you to space and time and gain control of your physical being. It isn’t meant to solve your problems but to calm you down. You can use this with children too. Concentrating on your breathing is a very useful tool.
Take care of yourself and stay healthy!