So, I'm sure you've all noticed that the world appears to have gone mad, bonkers; one might even say it’s gone 'round the bend. The current political climate aside, the global spread of COVID-19 (aka the corona virus) has left many people in a state of panic. Supermarkets and "Big Box" stores across the U.S. have been inundated with people clambering to stock up on bread, meats, soap, disinfectants, hand sanitizer, and - most notably - toilet paper. I've heard similar stories from friends in Canada and the U.K. as well.
I certainly understand why people are concerned. With many businesses opting to have people who can work remotely, countless universities and school districts opting to send students home for at least the next month, as well as possibly being confined to one's home if you’ve been in contact with a person who’s contracted the virus, or if you’ve contracted it yourself, it’s easy to see why folks are worried. What worries me, however, is that an alarming number of folks are allowing their fear to dictate irrational behaviors that may result in the most vulnerable in our society going without the things they need.
I’m not saying you can’t buy soap and toilet paper, I’m just saying don’t buy more than you NEED. Leave some for others. Seniors on fixed incomes, and families with already stretched finances (whatever the reason) can only afford to buy these things when they are running out. If you’ve just purchased 60 rolls of TP, because you can, not because you need it, that’s irrational and selfish.
Be patient with store employees. None of this is their fault, they are doing the best they can, and they’re working their butts off. Also, it’s entirely likely that they are unable to buy what they need, because they are not allowed to hold anything in the back. So, when they get done working their shift, it’s quite possible that what they needed is now out of stock.
I know, I know, I’m ranting. I’ll stop that and tell you what you can do during this trying time.
Be Careful
Listen to the experts: Frequent hand washing, keeping a safe distance from others whenever possible, stay home if you’re sick, and (the one I am most struggling with) don’t touch your face.Be Prepared
I don’t mean with supplies and ALL THE FOODSTUFFS, I mean with things to DO now that pretty much all events everywhere have been canceled, or if you and your family find yourselves confined to your home. Here’re some ideas to keep you and the fam occupied.- Itching to see a concert? Well, there’s a playlist with 247 Full Concert Videos on YouTube!
- Looking for some culture? Travel & Leisure’s list of 12 Museums & Galleries that you can tour virtually is a great place to start.
- Since they’ve had to close their doors, the Metropolitan Opera is offering free streaming of many of their productions. Check out this article for the deets.
- Are the kids missing out on a field trip? Take them to this Virtual Science Museum!
Other stuff to do includes:
- Breaking out the giant stash of adult coloring books that you haven’t touched in a year
- Catching up on your reading
- At-Home movie dates with your confinement buddies (whomever they may be)
- Check some things off of your lingering To-Do list
- Spend a little time painting or just creating however it is you choose.
Be Kind
This is super important. People are STRESSED right now for so many reasons. Please, before you react with annoyance, take a breath. If someone is noticeably upset, ask if there’s a way you can help. Again, be patient with store employees. Check in with neighbors and family members to make sure they have things they need. Send silly texts to your friends. Just be kind…to yourself as well as others. Kindness will see us through the insanity of it all.Do you have any other cool ideas of things to do while stuck at home? Drop them in the comments for the world to see! We need all the help we can get, lol.
Hang in there, Peeps.
As always,
Wishing you Peace, Love, & Pixie Dust
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