How to combat common COVID-19 judgements, opinions, and staying healthy during these tough times with your family.
There is no doubt in my mind that the recurrence of another lockdown in Hawaii has created a disarray of complications, fear, confusion, and fluctuation in the economy as well as day to day life. I imagine that individuals have different views and perspectives on this matter.
My goal is to share supportive ways that can help understand the significance of sticking together during this time, while setting healthy boundaries.
It is important to understand that as individuals we are entitled to our opinions, and there are self responsible ways of sharing those opinions while respecting/educating others.
Health Tips:
Clean your hands often with soap and water, or use antibacterial hand sanitizer. (If you experience dry skin use your favorite lotion or coconut oil)
Distance yourself from people who are sick.
Cough and sneeze into your elbow, and wash your hands after.
If you are sick: Seek medical advice and wear a mask.
Do not touch your eyes, mouth, and nose.
Stay home if you are unwell.
Look after your diet, mental health, sleep routine, and listen to your body.
Self responsibility is key when it comes to responding with different ideas and opinions about a sensitive topic. Meanwhile, something to consider during this time is that we are dealing with a worldwide pandemic that has influenced probably every person who lives on planet earth. In that event, as a human race, the way we can look out for one another is through education, leading by example, and consideration.
1) I am not sick, I do not need a mask.
At this time it is crucial that as a collective people follow the rules of wearing a mask. Even if you are not sick, you could potentially spread COVID-19 because some people are asymptomatic and can give the virus to other individuals. Data to date suggests that 80% of infections are mild to asymptomatic and 20% show up as severe and critical requiring oxygen and ventilation.
Being aware of this, is a step to defeat the pandemic altogether and go back to everyday life. If you think you do not need a mask, perhaps the person next to you, wherever you are will benefit from you wearing a mask.
For those who are healthy, continue to look after yourself. For those who are infected, continue to seek medical advice and look after yourself.
2) “I don’t want to live in fear.”
Fear, anger, and uncertainty fill the rooms and conversations of many. Social distancing and lockdowns are creating more space between loved ones which creates spikes in mental health problems, individuals not being able to look after themselves and their family members, businesses closed, and a rise in demand of health care practitioners and social workers.
Not wanting to live in fear does not look like going against government rules, and regulations that are put in place to help manage the current situation. Not living in fear can look like one of many ways that support others, you and your family, and considering the current guidelines.
If you notice that fear and anxiety is running your life or of somebody you know, please reach out to loved ones and ask for help. I invite you to choose to be part of the solution.
3) “The government is trying to control me.”
This is not about control nor is this about rebelling against the social construct, and the government. What if we were to look at this as an opportunity to educate others and contribute in ways that we can, to society, our friends/family, and other living and breathing individuals. What would your daily actions and choices look like if this was about continuing to contribute to the safety and security of our future? Here are some suggested practices in educating others and contributing:
Follow the health and safety guidelines.
Take others into consideration when making choices that involve other people.
Reach out to people who you know are struggling, or just reach out in general.
Look after your health from a holistic and medical perspective.
Understand your values, beliefs, judgements, practices, and opinions can be different from others, and right now the goal is to come together.
4) What if this was a family member?
Consideration of others and thinking about family and loved ones has been brought up a number of times in my words and here is why. Imagine the feeling of having somebody you love and care about get infected by COVID-19. This person is strong, healthy, and you care about them. Currently they are placed on a ventilator, alone without you or anyone other family member allowed by their bedside, ask yourself:
Could you have helped by wearing a mask?
Could you have helped by social distancing?
Could you have helped by staying home?
Could you have helped by seeking medical advice when you were sick?
With COVID-19 we just don’t know. Is it really worth the risk at this point? If it is not somebody close to you, then it is a close member of someone else and that should not make it any less important. Together is how we will get through this.
What would our intentions and approach to COVID-19 look like if we came from a place of empathy and care for others? I imagine that fear and anger would slowly begin to diminish.
As human beings we have opinions and judgements about everything, especially around worldwide pandemics and that is fine! You are allowed to have them, and our Hawaii Natural Therapy family, we challenge you to come to a middle ground and make this about coming together on our differences and choosing to come from a place of understanding, consideration, care, and love.
