The beginnings of being isolated are incredibly frustrating.
It is frustrating enough if you feel ill, but if you feel zero symptoms at all, then adhering to the rules of staying home can be even more difficult.
Unfortunately, because of the nature of this pandemic and the risk it poses to a larger-than-understood population, social distancing is absolutely vital. Critical even.
So what is social distancing?
It means correcting previously habitual behaviour. It means staying home as much as possible, going out only for the necessities (the necessities being food - and not hoarding it - adequate clothing, water, shelter, maybe some cleaning supplies, and medicine). That's it.
Then, when you ARE out, leave a space between you and every individual of at least one meter. Do not shake hands. Do not give hugs, even to loved ones. Do not whisper into someone's ear. Do not kiss on the cheek. Do not high five.
Social distancing is best achieved when we treat this situation as though every single person is contagious. This does not, however, give anyone the right to be outwardly rude or act disgusted. It simply means keeping a safe distance, not touching your face, and practicing constant hand-washing and disinfecting.
I am personally finding that most people who have never had to take a legitimate sick day from work are really struggling with boredom at home. The last thing that a highly motivated and productive individual wants to do all day is sit and watch television. Many people who work several jobs never sit still long enough to enjoy tv shows or movies and may not even have cable.
That's okay!! You do not have to become a couch potato because you are encouraged to remain at home.
This is a perfect opportunity for other activities.
For instance, most of us have a 'to do' list of things we would like to get done around the house. Guess what? Now you have time! Need to dust the house, vacuum, maybe repaint the trim with paint that's been sitting in your basement for six months - get to it. Have pictures you would like to sort through and put up on the wall? Have items you need to sell (or, even better, donate)? Start sorting! Want to feel more organized? Now is your chance.
Do you have a guitar that you vowed to learn but haven't found the time? Do you have personal projects you have always wanted to start?
There are a multitude of free online courses available to engage in higher learning. There are board games and card games. If you are lucky enough to have a backyard, it is becoming nicer outside - why not take an astronomy course and spend time actually looking at the stars? Why not start new routines - a forced slowdown of your life?
Go for walks around your neighbourhood (practicing safe social distancing, of course). Go for a drive to the mountains - or just go for a drive! Find a small lake to sit by. Ask friends their recommendations on books to read - and if you borrow books, just wipe them with a Lysol wipe if they exchange hands. Learn to cook or bake. Learn to sew. Listen to the latest music. Watch movies you have been wanting to see. Engage in a workout routine at home. Catch up with old friends. Write letters to friends. Use Skype or Google Duo or any other application to have dinner at the same time with someone over video chat. Try new recipes together. Listen to the radio. For those who enjoy tv and who have game consoles, maybe try a new game that encourages learning or physical activity? Perhaps you are wanting to, hopefully, advance at work but need more knowledge on a particular aspect, why not participate in research? We still have full access to the internet. We still have water, gas, and electric services.
We are okay!
Being isolated and/or quarantined does not have to be this awful and stressful situation.
It also does not have to cost extra to keep our minds busy and occupied.
We all have these lists, dreams, and desires in the back of our minds of what we would do if we had more time.
This is our opportunity.
It didn't arrive in a pretty package, but we have been repeatedly told that this is our 'new normal'. As it happens, that exact phrase is something that chronic illness patients hear regularly with any progressive changes to their circumstances.
Humans are surprisingly resilient when we are pushed.
Right now we are being pushed.
What do you want to be able to say six months from now when people ask you:
"So what did you end up doing with all of that extra time of forced isolation and quarantine?"
If you don't want the answer to be that you sat around on the edge of your seat every day in front of the television hoping the pandemic would end, then you need to take that first step in accepting a new normal. I'm not saying it is easy, but it is a new reality that we will all have to come to terms with.
Isolation is not the enemy.
Ignoring guidelines for isolation and social distancing will only worsen our current situation and create a longer period of forced quarantining.
It looks like we're in it for the long haul, so maybe it is time for a shift in perspective.
Take care of one another.
Consider the needs and fears of others.
Explore the options you have before you.
Learn to be resourceful.
Rely on each other, look to one another for advice and help.
Isolating may be difficult, but is a critical component of reducing the veracity of this pandemic.
No comments:
Post a Comment