Contributed by Debra McGhan
During this darkest of storms, we need to believe there will be a rainbow that follows; that glimmer of hope that lives deep in our hearts and just requires us to dig deep, pull it out and hold firm. This Covid-19 Pandemic will pass and we will come out okay if we focus on science, facts and logic.
There is a lot of confusion and anxiety. Stay strong, have faith and we will get through this major bump in the road of life.
Working for years with a bunch of dedicated people ‘role playing’ potential emergencies taught me a lot about possible disaster scenarios that could impact our lives. For more than 10 years, I made it an annual practice to participate in the Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness Expo. We spent hours strategizing ways to deal with all kinds of disasters in partnership with the Mat-Su Borough Emergency Services, American Red Cross and numerous other agencies. I spent weeks visiting schools giving presentations designed to teach kids about why it’s important to think about what could go wrong in order to plan for things to go right. Disaster preparedness has been a big part of my life.
Despite that, I never imagined anything quite like what we are dealing with today.
Three weeks of quarantine has given me time to ponder those many years. I’m grateful I did think about all types of emergencies, including pandemics, and that I took the time to actively prepare. I’m relieved that I am able to shelter in place so I’m not interacting socially. I’m thankful I have a home where I can set up rooms that make me feel like I’m going places, even if it’s just a few feet away.
I’m one of the fortunate that has a job I can do from home. And I’m relieved to know that there is an army of people just like me who are also working hard and doing everything we can to help all of the people who are not able to work.
In order to be successful living and working at home with the hope of coming out the other side of this pandemic sane, healthy and basically intact, I’ve found some strategies that work for me. I thought sharing my top ten might help others experience the peace and calm I’ve discovered through these practices.
1. Have a routine. I get up at the same time every morning and start with a big glass of water and some breathing and stretching to get my motor going, then shower and brush my teeth.
2. I eat after my workout, so I’ll have fuel in my tank. This doesn’t work for everyone, but I find it helps me think clear and avoid snacking unconsciously.
3. I get dressed for the office, even though my office is just on the other side of my bedroom door.
4. I make a hot cup of tea. Something warm to drink just helps start the day.
5. Then I go to my ‘office’ and log into my work computer. (My time is tracked, so punctuality is critical.)
6. While I’m working, I try to take 60-second breaks to stretch every hour and a 15-minute break after two hours. Plus, an hour for lunch. (I’m not always good about this and tend to cut breaks down. Be smart, don’t. Take those breaks.)
7. At the end of my work day, I log out of my computer, clean up my office and put everything away.
8. Then I change into outside clothes and go outdoors. If it’s too cold, I’ll go to the green house. Otherwise, I go for a walk or a ski or a bike ride to get my blood pumping; Recess. Recently, my neighbor and I took turns sledding down our hill like two little girls. I don’t think it matters what you do, just going outside and being active for an hour is critical for a clear mind and a healthy, happy outlook.
8. Most evenings, I eat dinner, relax, watch television, listen to music, write, sew… do something just for me for a few hours.
9. Finally, I waterpik, floss and brush my teeth (I’m a fanatic about this because when my mouth is healthy, I’m healthy.)
10. Then I finish by going to bed at the same time every day. I find I fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and get a more restful sleep when I stick to this goal. I live alone now, but adapt and adjust when family is here.
Don’t let the stress get you. There are a lot of rumors and outright lies circulating, starting from the very top. In order to survive, it’s up to each of us to find the truth for ourselves. Don’t believe anything unless you fact-check it yourself. Study peer-reviewed, scientific evidence and take care of you. Soon it will be clear exactly what we all must do in order to survive and discover the rainbow waiting for us on the other side of this pandemic.
