How can we adapt to this public health crisis?

By Sage Rios

I think we all share very similar experiences at the moment, and that can be a point for us to relate to one another. We are all uncertain of what will result from this pandemic; we are uncertain if we will have a functional local economy; we are uncertain if we will be able to pay the bills; we don't know if we are going to get sick. These are all very real and scary possibilities, and there is no way to predict how things will turn out. 

It would be very easy to surrender to our fears and the panic that surrounds us, however, that would only breed more fear and panic. There are other options for us that allow us to empower ourselves, our community, despite our circumstances.

What we can do is take this time and allow ourselves to work with what we are given:  a chance to slow down from our day-to-day lives or a chance to serve our community. Acknowledge what our power is as an individual and allow that to be the focus of this time. This is the time to connect yourself to the people you love, the community you love, and the world around you with fresh eyes. 

For those who are social distancing, that doesn't mean you have to disconnect yourself from the world. This is a chance to give yourself some much needed 'you-time'. Get back into the hobbies you haven't been able to make time for. Take a walk outside (still practice social distancing outdoors, and wear a mask, bandana, or scarf if needed) and enjoy nature and our city. Make that phone call to a loved one that you have not been able to make due to your busy life. Read that book that is patiently waiting for you on the shelf to pick up and enjoy. Clean and disinfect your house! Maybe that will spark some inspiration to redecorate or reignite your appreciation for your surroundings. Take the time to re-envision your home. 

Find a way you can support your community. Everyone has something that they can bring to the table. If you are able, look for mutual aid groups around town and contribute your efforts.

One of the biggest ways we can contribute is taking care of ourselves and our family to slow down the spread of the virus. By boosting our immune systems, self-isolating when we can, and practicing social distancing, we are being respectful to those who continue to serve us as well as those who are at high risk. That doesn't mean we can't share a warm smile from behind our masks or offer assistance to our neighbors who need groceries.


Here are some things you can include in your day to boost your immune system:

  • Ginger

  • Elderberry

  • Astragalus Root

  • Ginseng

  • Maca Root

  • Olive Leaf

  • Spirulina

  • Exercise

  • Water

  • Leafy greens

  • Activities to reduce stress

  • A cold shower

  • Practice Yoga or Meditation

Most importantly, if you feel the urge to rest, just allow yourself to act on it. Everyone needs to rest. This is the time to recharge yourself so that you can adapt to what is about to come, whatever that may be. 

For those who are working to serve their community at this time, we greatly appreciate your service. Your sacrifice of time and your own rest allows us to feel safe and reassured. We will continue to do our part in aiding your service by making a conscious effort to keep ourselves, my family, and my community healthy. Thank you for all that you are contributing during this time. Your work does not go unnoticed nor is it taken for granted. 

Whatever your role during this crisis, your actions make a massive contribution to the collective, which is why we must be mindful about what we are bringing with us as we engage with our environment.  

Take care of yourself. Be aware and accept all that you feel. Don't forget that everything passes and this will too. Don't be afraid to ask for help at this time because we are all in this together. We will continue to rebuild our community and strengthen it.

References:

Buijze, G. A., Sierevelt, I. N., van der Heijden, B. C., Dijkgraaf, M. G., & Frings-Dresen, M. H. (2016). The Effect of Cold Showering on Health and Work: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PloS one, 11(9), e0161749. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0161749

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). (2020, March 13). Retrieved March 20, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). (2020, March 18). Retrieved March 20, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

Ripley, A. (2020, March 17). Opinion | Four ways to help prevent loneliness while you're social distancing. Retrieved March 20, 2020, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/03/17/combating-loneliness-an-age-self-quarantine/



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