At the start of 2020, everyone thought this would be the year their life improved. Three months in and the world was flipped upside down. Nobody knew they would be stuck in their house 24/7, or possibly fending for their life. Although it would make sense here to panic, with proper precautions you can put your mind at ease and hopefully keep you and your family safe.
First off:Â WASH YOUR HANDS. This should be common sense, but due to this global pandemic we have discovered most people do not know the proper way to disinfect the germs from their hands. You must wash with both soap and water for at least 20Â seconds. Any less will not completely destroy all the bacteria remaining and without soap, water will not clean anything. If soap is not available at the moment, the CDC recommends using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. These do not kill as much germs as washing your hands will, but it is much better than doing nothing.
Probably the most efficient way to prevent getting yourself or a family member sick is to stay at home. I know for some people that is impossible, but if you can do it then please, and I beg, please stay in your house. Social distancing only works if everyone participates. Some, especially those in their teen years, believe they are invincible. Just because you aren’t 55+ and have no underlying conditions doesn’t mean that you won’t get COVID-19. It simply just means that you are less likely to fall to fatal conditions. As more people in America become ill, there are less beds and less resources for those who have recently gotten diagnosed. If more people contract the coronavirus, doctors and nurses will soon not be able to help them all.Â
Some people are considered essential workers and therefore cannot stay put in their house. In this case, you must just take extra precautions to avoid spreading or contracting the virus. When you need to go to the grocery store, make sure to stay at least six feet away from anyone you may see. Also, wear gloves so you are not directly touching anything in the store and DO NOT touch your face at all while out and about. If you even feel slightly sick, or have come into contact with a sick person, then stay at home. Have someone else run errands for you. There is no need to go to the grocery store and contaminate everyone else who shops there.Â
For those who are stuck at home right now, you might feel as if you are going insane. One way to calm your nerves in this time of uncertainty is to keep a sense of regularity. By maintaining a set schedule on the daily, it will make things feel less out of the ordinary. For example: just because gyms are closed does not mean you cannot work out. There are ways to stay fit without leaving your home. Many celebrities and apps are offering free or discounted workout videos during this tough time. Use those to your advantage. It’s almost as if you’re bringing a personal trainer directly into your house, except not literally (social distancing, duh).Â
So you have nowhere to physically be. That does not mean you shouldn’t wake up early to get ready. Even though no one except your housemates is going to see you in person, looking your best will help you feel your best. It will give you a sense of normality to go about your day as you would have before quarantine began. Take a quick walk around the neighborhood to get away. This will not only help relax your mind but it will also help you stay fit. Remember you are not on house arrest during these times. You are more than welcome to leave as long as you stay at least six feet away from anyone you see.Â
Some of the stress people are feeling is the cause of the media. Constantly refreshing the news is not good for your mental health. Instead, take a break. You don’t have to know every single time something goes wrong in this country. But, make sure you are checking credible sources when you do check the internet. There is a lot of fake news out there and without looking into it you could be stressing over something that isn’t even true.Â
Many things are uncertain right now. Not even the smartest man alive knows how this will all play out. For those worried about getting sick, just stay inside and avoid contact with any and all people that you do not live with. Another way you can help is by spreading the word around how contagious this virus is. When you see anyone post about their night out with friends, say something to them. I know it’s hard being the bad guy, but it’s better than having our situation get any worse. The only thing we can do as citizens is take extra precautions to help prevent spreading COVID-19 around like a wildfire. We are all in this together and unless we unite then no progress will be made.
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