Coping
A SPECIAL NOTE:
SCM is still here, and while the office is closed, we are answering phones, emails and continuing to provide service. Please take advantage of our discounts through our online safety training school at hazmatschool.com.
Our world is in a difficult place right now. Many areas are in mandatory quarantine. A serious pandemic, Covid-19, has blanketed the Earth. We are keeping six feet between ourselves and others (social distancing). Like SCM, your company may have asked you and your coworkers to work from home. Our children may be home as a lot of school districts are closed, and we are unsure if they will open before summer break.
Some of us are panicking. This is evidenced by many products that are hard to find. Big outlet stores are empty of canned goods, paper and cleaning products, hand sanitizers, and the list goes on. Many restaurants are not allowing dining within their establishments but are only providing take-out and delivery.
Much of what is going on are precautions taken to stem the disease, preventing it from spreading and to reduce the casualties. But there can also be repercussions from the enforced quarantines. We may start to feel isolated and lonely because, in reality, we are isolated and alone. These times are especially difficult for those that struggle with anxiety and depression.
So, what can we do to cope?
First, take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Take comfort in knowing that you are doing all you can to protect yourself and your loved ones. Go wash your hands and come back to keep on reading this safety tip when you are done.
Now, turn off the television, close the news media website, and switch the radio to your favorite music station. When you are ready to look at what is actually going on, we recommend that you consult with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Learn what your actual risk is, rather than public perception, which may be exaggerated. Here is the CDC situation summary page, which is updated frequently: CDC. And here is the WHO site for Covid-19. WHO.
While on these websites, learn as much as you can about Covid-19. The CDC has a fact page about Covid-19. It islinked here. We highly recommend you review the page, and share the facts with your children, friends and family. Remember, the actual risk of you contracting this disease is very low. Most people that may contract the disease will have mild symptoms. If you are elderly or have a compromised immune system, your risk is higher, but by taking precautions, you can lower your risk.
While you are in quarantine or are “sheltering-in-place” as it is often called, reach out to others. Call your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. They may be feeling lonely. Talking to others, even connecting through social media, reminds us that we are not alone in this situation. Others are in the same place with us, even if that is metaphorically.
Take the advice of doctors and get outdoors. When the weather permits, go for a walk. You can stroll in the park with your dog and maintain that six feet of separation. Smile at people as you walk by. Say hello. Sunshine and fresh air are not only good mood enhancers, they can boost your immune system, too.
Maintain your healthy lifestyle. Get plenty of rest, eat nutritious meals, and wash your hands frequently. Remember to use hand lotion to prevent your skin from drying out, and cracking, presenting openings for pathogens to enter your body, from all the sanitizing.
We have provided some links to the right, including advice on working from home successfully, and free websites for your kids to keep their minds active during this imposed school break. Please share the links with others who have not received this safety tip. Remember, together, we will get through this difficult time.
