Hey there, how are ya? Feeling stressed out, worried, fearing the unknown? Well, you’re not alone! When contemplating what to write for this week’s blog, I didn’t feel very compelled to come to you with another sustainability tip, but rather acknowledge the elephant in the room and how some of us (me) are coping with it. COVID-19. It’s everywhere (hopefully not literally) but really – it’s on the news, social media, home page of your favorite search engine, overheard conversations in passing, in daily reminder texts to wash my hands from my mother, and even retail outlets emailing me their thoughts/plans for the pandemic even though I KNOW I’ve unsubscribed from their emails years ago. It’s overwhelming. Our day-to-day lives have shifted dramatically in just the past week and a lot of us (me, again) are having trouble getting a grasp on the whole thing – and understandably so.
My work-life has changed quite a bit. As of Friday last week we’ve begun working from home for the foreseeable future. I used to be in an office with Serena, but now I’ve set up camp on my couch. It doesn’t sound bad, but I may get bed sores from sitting in the same position for too long. I was initially somewhat excited to be working from home. It sounded enchanting at the time…but now that I’m here, I miss being in my office with Serena. Now my officemate is my boyfriend who is also working from home. And although I love him, tensions. are. high. folks! I can’t look up from my computer and complain to Serena about Charlie eating the last of the Huffman’s apples or my coveted Chocolate Harmony chocolate bar anymore. Which she would always be so understanding about – someone who really shares in my heartache – and then would share an equally heart wrenching story of something her beau has done recently. It’s always so comforting.
It is day five of us self-quarantining, and I’m beginning to go stir-crazy. This apartment used to feel so big, but the walls seem to inch closer and closer every day. And although we are starting to drive each other bonkers (those of you with children, bless you) he has also been the voice of reason around here. I keep engorging myself in articles and news stories about the pandemic, and when he sees that I’m getting stressed out will insist we go for a walk, which has been very helpful! I suggest anyone that is feeling isolated or stressed out to do some (if not all) of the following things (taken from the ODH website):
- Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage of COVID-19. It is important to get good information to help you prepare and respond, but don’t overwhelm yourself or your family with information.
- Eat nutritious food, exercise, get adequate sleep, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and drugs, and make time to relax and unwind.
- Incorporate stretching or meditation into your routine. Take deep breaths when feeling overwhelmed.
- Stay connected with friends and family. Discuss your concerns and be supportive of theirs.
- Keep participating in hobbies/activities that do not expose you to close contact with others in confined spaces.
All of these things will be important to remember in the coming weeks, and there are many other online resources with helpful tools to keep us functioning. I have linked below some helpful websites. In this difficult time, remember that you are not alone! I hope everyone stays safe and well, and be sure to take care of yourselves! (& continue to support your local businesses and producers, they need our support now more than ever!!)
Tips For Social Distancing, Quarantine, And Isolation During An Infectious Disease Outbreak