Like me, I'm sure most of the readers of this article have not lived through a pandemic before. It's terrifying. Other than the virus, we are worried about our elderly members of the family, worried that we will be separated from family members who live away from us and panicking about the lack of food supplies in the near future.
However, panic will only make things worse. It actually negatively affects your immune system. So let's try to calm down and think logically about what's in our hands.
Be very careful about where you get your information
I am getting all the information about the corona virus from the CDC. This is a new virus. There is limited research available and we don't know much about it. This means that there could be a lot of false information out there. You can get all information about COVID-19 from this page. And read about how to be more prepared here.
Basic precautions are very important
- Washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds is the number one precaution. If water and soap are unavailable, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol). However, water and soap is still the number one precaution!
- Avoid crowded places. Keep a one meter distance when speaking to another person.
- Disinfect frequently touched objects like the remote control, your mobile phone and your laptop keyboard.
- Avoid touching your face (that's the toughest one :)
How to talk to your kids about it
- The last thing your kid wants is to hear about this from an anxious parent. Control your anxiety first and then talk to them.
- Listen to what they already know about the virus. Let them talk and do not dismiss what they tell you.
- Teach them basic hygiene. In age-appropriate language, tell them about how the virus spreads and why it's important to keep a distance, wash their hands and not to touch their face. Play a game at home about how you lose a point every time you touch your face. You'll probably lose :D
- Tell them that this virus is very mild in children. My son was so relieved to hear this.
Being cautious is not just about you and your family
If you are middle-aged and in good health, you will probably recover if you get the coronavirus. However, you might infect an old person, or someone with chronic heart disease, lung disease or other debilitating conditions that may not survive a strong viral infection. Be responsible. You could be a carrier with no symptoms. It's wise now to avoid gatherings and eating out.
Seize this chance to become closer to your family
Most of schools and universities are closed now. Take this chance and spend more quality time with your family. Play with your kids. Schedule time for everything. Make sure your kids don't spend a lot of time on screens.
Don't forget your "Me time"
Otherwise you will go crazy :D While creating a productive schedule with your kids, don't forget to add your special time. Do something that will allow you to relax at the end of the day (also at the beginning). Make sure this is not just screen time. Screen time will give you "relief" and not joy. Find what brings you joy!
I will be writing another article soon about what to eat to boost your immune system. Stay tuned!
