Well, summer is coming and we're still hunkering down and social distancing to slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus. If you're reading this, I hope you're doing well. I hope you're taking care of yourself and most importantly, I hope you have enough toilet paper (ok...bad joke). Hopefully the hoarding of toilet paper will end soon here in the USA.
Seriously, we're living in a time of global pandemic and it has been difficult for many. We've had many of our businesses shut down for a good period of time, unemployment is skyrocketing and many folks are struggling to make ends meet. Others are feeling isolated, depressed and may be getting stir crazy staying in their homes for long periods of time.
On the bright side, we've started to "flatten the curve" of spreading the virus; slowing the spread globally. Some places are better than others at this, but we're making progress. Today I'd like to talk a little about how we can do our best to stay safe and help others be safe during this health scare.
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| an illustration from back in my medical illustration days depicting proper hand washing technique |
Hand Washing/Hygiene By now everyone is getting on board with washing your hands and using hand sanitizer. Hygiene is important for your safety. If you can, wearing a mask is helpful in stores and public buildings. It's important for our safety, but also to keep others safe as well. If we're a carrier of the virus, (and we may not know), we want to be sure not to spread this to others. Masks can help with this. Social distancing, (keeping 6 feet apart from others), is key as well. These practical little things can make a big difference. Remember, as we move forward opening up our societies, we still need to take precautions and be smart about it. Covid will probably still be here after next month and probably for the foreseeable future.
Physical Health Keeping ourselves healthy is also key. Physically, we always want to eat a balanced diet. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Drinking plenty of water is important as well. A little lemon in your water will add a little flavor and have a good cleansing effect on the body. Keep exercising as well. You don't need a gym to work out. There's a lot of calisthenics and resistance exercises you can do without any gym equipment. Walking outside is allowed in many places and is great exercise. Of course, get plenty of rest too. If you need ideas just look on-line. Take care of that body.
Mental/Spiritual Remember to feed your mind and spirit while staying in and social distancing as well. Do you read books, or have some topics of study that interest you? These keep your mind sharp, challenge it. Hobbies like crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or playing cards will also work your brain. Feeding the spirit is important as well. Reading and studying are always helpful. Now days there are so many resources on-line as well. Whatever your faith or interest, you can find what you're looking for to help you practice and study right at home, on-line. It's so easy just to plop down in the easy chair and get sucked into watching the news channels or mindless shows. Unlimited media intake isn't going to serve you well. Of course, enjoy some entertaining shows if you like, but stretch your mental capacity and feed your spirit every day too.
Meditation/Prayer Prayer and meditation are excellent ways to help you keep your equilibrium steady and to stay in the moment. Prayer is a very personal thing and sometimes unique to each person's faith or religeon. Expressing gratitude in prayer and meditating on it can provide much needed perspective and a good feeling inside.
Meditation can be a simple yet very helpful practice. There are many, many forms of formal meditation practice. Various music or tones can be added to assist; like some relaxing instrumental music. Like prayer, it's a personal preference and I recommend you practice the form of meditation that works for you.
One easy way to meditate is just lying down or sitting in a comfortable chair and relaxing. While continuing to relax body and mind, focus on continuing to breathe (not to deep or shallow, not too fast or slow). Breathe nice and easy and relax and let go of your stress and tension. If it's difficult, you know it's for you - practice every day. Just stay in the present moment and quiet the mind. If you're starting out - try 10 minutes. Be gentle with yourself and don't criticize yourself. You're fine.
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| drink plenty of water - adding lemon or lime or some cucumber can be refreshing and provide cleansing and a nutritional boost |
Hospitals/ER/Medical Needs Right now a lot of people are hesitant to use the hospitals and emergency rooms and I don't blame them. As an EMT for a local ambulance service I've been in and out of most of the hospitals in our area a lot. Typically there are Covid patients (or suspected cases), in most of the emergency departments. The Intensive Care Units or ICUs are busy with them too. So it makes good sense to limit our trips to the ER and in turn, limit our exposure to becoming infected with Covid-19 virus. (However - you know when you need to get to the hospital - if you need to go and be seen, do not hesitate)
Many medical practices have completely changed the way they do business. If you have an issue that's not life threatening, call your primary care physician. They can, many times, do a consult over the phone or even via video call if necessary. Docs can phone in prescriptions to your local pharmacy. If need be, most can see you in their office too, if your situation calls for it.
If you need emergency care and you feel like you're in crisis, don't hesitate to call 911. Emergency services are still operating at 100% and that's what they are there for.
Sometimes you may need to visit a medical facility right away but you don't need an ambulance. You can still go to the medical centers and large hospitals if you like. There are other options also available to you. In our metro area here in Phoenix there are urgent care centers and stand alone emergency rooms in every neighborhood. You may find these less busy and easier to access. Whatever level of care you need, just consider - "what is the most appropriate level of care?" - and then proceed from there. However - do not neglect your needs because of the pandemic.
Living in the Time of Covid We live in interesting times. I would stress, be smart and considerate. Do what you know to take care of yourself and others. Don't live in fear - have faith, knowing that this will not last forever. There are measures we all can take to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe....and we should do the best we can. Know the local resources you have and do your best. Stay in the moment - enjoy every moment - stay out of past regrets and longing for a different future. Love yourself and others. Help others that need a hand. Relax and enjoy a movie or a good book. Be kind and patient with others...we're all going to need patience during this time. And remember---be nice to yourself. Treat yourself with love and kindness always and know we'll get thru this together.
Peace and Love,
Tom
Tom Kreienbrink
Holistic Therapy Solutions - www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com
On-line Illustration Portfolio: www.behance.net/tk-art
#Covid-19 #Holistic #Love #meditation
