Life in uncertain times

Life is surely uncertain now; we don't know what's happening or we don't think we do, these changes upset us in our body, mind and soul. Why is uncertainty so unsettling? We are creatures of habit, we are used to routine and order in our lives. We expect our lives to unfold in certain ways and for the most part, they do.  But as the Coronavirus moves around the world, killing more and more of us it is all we can do is keep calm and carry on. But we are social animals and I believe we need to be around people and we want to help others if we can.

So, what can we do to help as individuals and how can we help our community? Well, first of all, it’s essential to be informed not from FaceBook but from credible sources, it is also important not to be overcome by the information we receive. 

What sells in media is fear, so watching the news all day is not good for you. Credible media plays a role to help us understand what is going on and keeping us informed. We need to remember that what sells papers or gets viewership is fear. So watch daily briefings by government officials if they occur in your jurisdiction. In Canada, we are lucky that the Federal and Provincial governments are updating the public on a daily basis. Don't watch the news commentators who will interpret the news in the worst light to get readership or keep viewers.

Some ideas that might help you keep your stress down that work for me:

I’m minimizing exposure to drama in the media and in conversations with other people. Look for the best in people and stay in the now and not panic about what if's.

The reality of the situation is all around us so I find it is vital to surround myself with positive energy and try to maintain positive thoughts. I do this by watching predictable movies and reruns of shows I like and I am reading a lot more than I did before. You could watch a funny movie, cat videos, uplifting interviews, speak on the phone or through facetime with people you know who are positive; 

You know it is important to stay connected with each other; with so many options available, you can stay “in community,” virtually without having to be irresponsible. I am in the "elderly cohort, but I don't feel like it. I always assume that someone who is elderly is at least 10 years older than I am. But there are people my age who are our vulnerable, so if you want to help reach out, call them to see how they are and ask if they need help if you can help then do so.

There are a lot of people who believe me want to help but don't know how, so I suggest that you reach out and ask for help if you need it

So as much as I am using online ordering, electronic banking & all the delivery services out there while I continue to self-isolate. If I go out, I make sure that I am physically 6 feet or 2 metres away from others.

Eat or maintain a healthy diet, which means minimal refined carbohydrates, especially sugar, which weakens the immune system.

I don't do yoga, but I have been learning how to use breathing to calm myself. Some of you may meditate to help calm yourself, and there are those of you who might want to learn to meditate to calm your thoughts and your body.

Finally, be grateful for people on the front lines of this virus, be grateful for their service and courage. I’m grateful for them. See the best in others, fear is funny it can make us forget that we are all in this together, and it can make forget that the right thing is always to be kind toward yourself and everyone else. Be well; live well. Be kind.