Taking Care of Yourself and Others During the COVID-19 Panic
The COVID-19 quarantine has affected many different people in many different ways. Some people, who are tired of the hustle bustle, have been praying for a break in their life for a while now and are happy to find themselves with time at home while others, who are busy bees, can’t stand the thought of not going to work or being able to go out with their friends. There’s also families who are tired of being around each other and other families that are cherishing the time they have together. Everyone is dealing with their situation and emotions differently, and each one of those different reactions are just as valid as the next. However, whatever situation you find yourself a part of, you can’t lose sight of what is right and practical. From self quarantining to stocking up on toilet paper, it is crucial to realize that now is not the time to be selfish, and as Americans that can be very tricky.
Whether people like to admit it or not the United States of America is one of the most selfish countries in the whole world, if not the most selfish. And before you get too upset at this claim, really take a moment to step back and think about it. Think about all the times that you have been genuinely angry because things didn’t go exactly how you wanted them to. Now think about all the times that someone else got angry with you because you didn’t do exactly what they wanted you to do. You probably didn’t even have to think about the later before you lost count. Selfishness is so much more prevalent than we’d like to admit, and the panic and fear that has been displayed through grocery shortages as well as people refusing to self quarantine because it disrupts their daily lives, are bringing this issue to light.
I can’t say that I’ve been perfect and haven’t played my part in some selfishness through this pandemic, especially in the early days of panic. I didn’t want to give up my Spring Break and I was angry that I couldn’t go places and hangout with my friends. Things weren’t going my way and for a couple days I was willing to sacrifice my own health as well as my friends’ and family’s for the sake of me not going stir crazy. I’m glad that I quickly realized that it can’t get much more selfish than that. I realized what I was doing, how dangerous it was, and I decided to stay home. However, I quickly realized, along with every other person that loves going out and being outside, that even though I needed to stay home, I was not going to be able to stay inside without losing my mind. I’m blessed enough to live in a neighborhood and have a house with a large yard and pool. So even though I’m staying home, I’m still able to be outside by going on walks, doing yard work, and spending time in the sun, but I do understand that not everyone else is in the same situation. Some people live in small crowded houses, others in apartments without balconies, and others do not have homes to shelter in. When it comes down to situations like this, it can be hard to self quarantine when your living situation may cause you more harm mentally and physically than good. This is where we have to shift our thinking from what is selfish to what is practical and right.
Instead of going to the store when you really don’t need to, stay home and let those who seriously have to go, whether it be for necessities or they just need to get away from the house for whatever reason, go. Also reach out to neighbors and friends over the phone and check in on them. If you are a person that is in good health, check on other people that might not be and see if there are any errands you can do for them. If you need to get out of the house for your mental health don’t be afraid to go on a walk if you know of a place that will be secluded or spread out enough from others to not endanger them and yourself. I believe that right now is a very serious time and we need to be taking care of all aspects of ourselves to the best of our ability. If you are a big spring person and staying home is taking a toll on your mental health, find things to do at home to let the season in. If you can, open your windows for some fresh air. If you have a backyard or balcony spend some time outside without your devices to clear your mind. Mental health is just as important as physical health and we need to be looking out for each other in both aspects. Staying mentally healthy is one of the few things right now that needs to be dealt with in a selfish but rational view. Call a friend or family member and make sure they are not only physically healthy and safe but mentally healthy and safe right now. Reassure them that you are with them and that together we will get through this.
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