Pandemic First Aid

The present pandemic has upset our normal way of life. We are confined to our homes like criminals on house arrest. Our normal routines have been disrupted and we fear for the safety of ourselves and loved one. Many find themselves drowning in a sea of despair and anxiety. How can we cope? Fear and disappointment are normal reactions. Plans have been cancelled and the media bombards us 24/7 with news of spreading disease and death. Fear can be useful. It motivate us to social distance and wear masks, but once its job is done, we need to turn it down. How? Consider this, we are not required to continue to watch updates on Covid-19. Turn off the news and do something else with your time. Continually watching bad news does not protect you or anyone else from the illness, it only increases your stress levels. Focus on what you can do rather than on what you can’t do. You can go for a walk and notice the flowers that are popping up, and the trees that are blooming just as they always have. Life has slowed down. You now have the time to really listen to a piece of music. Put your phone on do not disturb and give the music your full attention luxuriating in its rhythm and melody. Slowly drink a hot cup of coffee, feeling its soothing warmth as it move down your throat. Take on one of the projects you always wanted to get to but never had the time. Personally, I have pruned my digital photo collection, cleared out my desk drawer, recreated my website and learned new songs on the guitar. Finally, do things for others. Send out small gifts or cards. Call a friend. Write a poem and send it. Focus on using whatever gifts you possess that will bring warmth into someone’s life. Lifting someone else’s mood may be the best way to improve your own.