Covid-19: How to Remain Purposeful and Positive

written by Elizabeth M. Jenkins,  Marketing and Public Relations Director                                                                                                                                                                   

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is providing us with a new and different connotation of the phrase “global reach”.  The news is alarming and we as a global community are experiencing fear and anxiety over what feels like an uncontrollable situation. So, what are we as one person, one community, one business, one family to do when a global situation knocks on our front door and creates a barricade between ourselves and all personal human interaction?

The word pandemic in and of itself is terrifying.  Thesaurus.com tells me I can substitute epidemic, contagion, sickness, disease, illness, plaque, epidemic, deadly disease, virulent disease. Wow, now I can’t breathe due to anxiety. Anxiety: apprehension, angst, fear, worry.  These are all words I can use to describe the emotions running through me. 

As Americans, we are not easily swayed, but we are determined when we need to be. Many also have an overwhelming need to be purposeful. 

What can we, as individuals, do to combat our anxiety and frustration over a virus controlling our every thought and action?

By now we all know we need to wash our hands frequently, sanitize high-touch surfaces, avoid sick people, maintain a six-foot social distance from others, make sure you have a decent supply of nonperishable food and other essentials, and stay home as much as possible.

But there has to be more that we can do to help ourselves and others as we strive to gain control during this unprecedented situation.  I would like to offer a few ideas.

Give Blood

The American Red Cross is asking for blood donations because they are preparing for a possible shortage. They have had to cancel a number of their large blood drives and need people who are in good health, have not been exposed to the virus, and who have not traveled to affected areas to donate. https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive

Donate Medical Supplies

The Mary & John Elliot Charitable Foundation is accepting donations Monday-Wednesday until further notice, at Elliot at Rivers Edge Main Entrance 185 Queen City Avenue, Manchester. https://www.elliothospital.org/website/about-the-foundation-contact-us.php

What to Donate:

• Disposable face masks
• N95 masks (sometimes called respirators)
• Eye protection, including face shields and safety goggles
• Disposable gowns
• Disposable gloves, especially non-latex
• Disposable surgical caps
• Disposable foot covers
• Wipes, bleach or antimicrobial
• Hand sanitizer                                                                                                     

Get Your Kids Involved

Create masks to donate to local hospitals This is a great way to entertain your children while at the same time teach them that they can make a difference in their community. https://business.facebook.com/elliothealthsystemandelliothospital/posts/10159059688047502

Create chalk drawings at the end of your driveway to make your neighbors smile.

Support our Local Businesses

Interact with local businesses on social media. Like, share, and comment on their posts. You’d be surprised by how much this means to them.

Purchase gift certificates or place an online order. Large or small orders make a huge difference when the physical doors are closed but rent/mortgage/employees need to be paid.

Order take-out food from your favorite restaurant.

Reach Out to Neighbors Near and Far

Check on an elderly neighbor and have a local restaurant deliver them a meal. 

Reach out to nursing homes, military personnel, and to people who live alone by sending them cards.

Connect Virtually

Connect through Google Hangouts, ZOOM, FaceTime, Skype or other video conferencing apps. 

Invite a family member, friend, or neighbor to virtually dine w/ your family.  Set a place at the dinner table for them.

Invite friends to a virtual get-together. Social distancing isn’t a reality within the virtual world. 

Use Social Media to Express Gratitude 

Thank medical workers for their patience, perseverance, and education.

Recognize all first responders-police, fire, & ambulatory for their commitment to bringing their A-game to each and every emergent situation. 

Recognize individuals who have gone the extra mile to help others.

Show appreciation for all grocery store employees for graciously dealing with all kinds of temperaments during this trying time.

Acknowledge truck drivers for driving long distances to deliver our food and other essential items.

Convey sincere gratitude to our US military for their sacrifices and their consistent commitment to our safety.

Take Care of Your Mental Well-Being

Go for a walk/hike and breathe in the fresh air. 

Take a ride to the beach or to the lake.  Order take-out from your favorite restaurant and eat it in your car as you watch the waves roll across the horizon.

Watch the sunset and post a beautiful photo.

Participate in an online church service. 

Join an online exercise program and invite friends to virtually join you.

Always remember to floss (the dance and your teeth). This will make smiling easier!

And last but definitely not least, eat chocolate, lots of chocolate.

We have the power to concentrate on positivity.  We will get through this together because #weareinthistogether.