I haven't written in forever, I feel like I'm making a bad habit of that. For what it's worth, I've started making deadlines for myself using a new "to-do" list app. It's pretty helpful. Today's topic, and the topic that's been headlines for the past few weeks, is COVID-19 or the Coronavirus. I'll be chatting with you guys about the stats (as of today), how you can cure your boredom and how to manage that anxiety I'm sure most people are having about this situation.
First off, let's talk numbers. As of today, April 7th, according to a live feed from Johns Hopkins University (I'll include a link at the end of this), there are about 1.4 million confirmed cases of COVID-19. Along with that, there's been roughly 82,000 deaths (roughly 5%). However, the number most media is forgetting to mention (in my experience at least) is that about 298,000 people have recovered (which is roughly 21%). It's not that high of a number, but it's definitely higher than the death toll and I think more people need to hear that.
If you're in the United States, like myself, we currently have more cases than any other country. We're currently at 386,000 followed by Spain with 140,000. I'm going to be completely honest and tell you that I'm freaking out too. My state, along with several other, is on complete lockdown and under "stay-at-home" orders. That means that, aside from working an essential job, grocery shopping or going to medical services, we have to stay at home. If we do leave, it's now recommended to wear face masks. I work an essential job, however, it's in a school and all schools are shutdown as well. That means I, along with so many other teachers, are now learning this process called "e-learning." It's just online learning, not too bad. It's been going fairly well, however, it is still pretty stressful. Lots of video chatting, recording lessons for my student etc.
I feel like the describing phrase of "cabin fever" is highly appropriate for most everyone's situation right now. It is for me. It's been difficult for me to find things to do, ways to prevent boredom and anxiety. One of the best things I've been doing is getting up an hour before work, getting dressed and eating breakfast. It helps create some sort of normalcy for me through all of this. I've also been working out a couple times a week and occasionally going on walks outdoors. I also think it's a really great idea for everyone to try out at least one new thing per week. For example, reading a new book, making a new recipe, watching a new movie, listening to new music etc. I think setting a goal for yourself each week to try something new like the previously mentioned or something else is really good. I also think it's a great idea to make to-do lists for yourself each day. Even if it just consists of showering, eating breakfast, yoga etc. As long as you schedule in various things to do.
As for preventing or decreasing your anxiety about this virus, read up on it. Don't just watch the news, do your own research too. Check out the link below I discussed earlier. Another thing to do is just be safe and be smart. Don't go out unless you absolutely have to, and if you do go out make sure you have the proper safety items (including mask, social distancing, gloves etc). Wash your hands often, don't touch your face and update yourself using the CDC website, which I'll also include. The last thing I'll mention is that we're all in this together. Every single country in the world is dealing with this right now and if you ever need to talk and get your mind off of things, someone out there will have the same worries and concerns. Let's be there for each other, as we always are, and help everyone get through this.
It's tough, scary, worrisome and honestly kind of lonely. I am feeling all of these, and I'm sure I'm not alone. Like I've mentioned, educate yourself, stay updated and stay HOME! Let's beat this together!
Love,
Aylin
CDC Information and Updates: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Johns Hopkins Uni. Live Tracker: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
NAMI Helpline (nationwide): 1-800-950-6264
NAMI COVID-19 Resource and Info Guide: https://www.nami.org/covid-19-guide
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