Covid-19 is spreading throughout the world, and our world is rapidly facing a health crisis. At this point, we have all seen the news and read the articles. We have seen the bare shelves and the grocery store, and we all know what is going on. Hopefully, you have figured out the importance of social distancing to protect yourself and the people around you.
I live in Florida, so all of this feels very familiar. The only other time that grocery stores run out of items, schools/churches/theme parks close down, and everyone stays in their own home is when we have a hurricane. This situation feels like the whole world is getting ready for a hurricane, even though I know that is not the case.
Health is the thing that most of us are worried about, but the economic impact of this situation is becoming more and more real as we keep going. There is one thing that worries me more than anything else, and it is something that I do not see a lot of people talking about.
Beyond the physical health aspects of the pandemic, there are also going to be mental health effects. People who rely on routine and structure to take care of their minds cannot do that. Some people are already worried that the healthcare industry will not be able to supply their mental health medication because it will be focused on the crisis at hand. Anxiety levels are up for everyone, and the isolation does not make that easier to deal with.
We all need a little bit of positivity right now. But so much of our positivity comes from in-person contact with each other. So, I want to share five ideas of how you can spread some positivity, love, and support to the people around you while you are practicing social distancing. Please feel free to share and add your own ideas in the comments.
Reach Out to Your Friends and Family Members
I understand the need for isolation right now. We have to practice social distancing to “flatten the curve” and give our medical community a fighting chance. It is essential. But isolation is also scary to me, especially for people who live alone.
If you have your family with you, by all means, find ways to bond and make the most of this time. Have dinner together and work on projects and play games. Build those relationships, but remember that not everyone has that opportunity.
Remember your friends and family members who live alone. For those of us without roommates, spouses, or other people in our home, this situation is going to be hard. We rely on work/church/social gatherings as our ONLY form of human interaction. Not having those things is going to be really hard for a lot of people. You do not realize the importance of relationships until you spend a week and a half with your own thoughts as your only companion.
I know from experience that it is going to be okay for the first few days, but by about day three or four, we are going to be struggling. Isolation makes it easy to believe lies about yourself. It makes you feel like you do not matter to other people. Loneliness can become suffocating. Everyone always says, “I am just a phone call away,” but it is hard to reach out when you feel bad about yourself.
So, reach out to your friends and family members. A call or text can mean the world to someone who is beginning to feel like the world does not need them. Video calls are an even better way to help people feel connected. Check on each other often. Do not wait for someone to call you. Instead, you take the initiative to be the one who calls them.
Make a Digital Gift
One of the best ways to spread positivity is to make someone smile by letting them know that you are thinking of them. We cannot give each other things right now because of the fear of spreading germs. So, why not send someone that you love a digital gift? Here are a few examples of what I mean.
Make a playlist of songs that make you think of a particular person. Send them an email/text with the link to the playlist with a note about why you chose the songs that you did. It's like the modern version of a mixtape or a burned CD.
Make a PowerPoint presentation of the reasons that you appreciate someone.
Compliments are some of the most meaningful gifts. Text someone with a note about the things that you appreciate or like about them.
Make a video that can spread some viral positivity. If you have not already seen the videos of quarantined Italians singing to each other from their balconies, go check it out. Make a parody video or a video of a new dance.
Use the resources that the internet and modern technology provide to do something nice for someone that you care about.
Make Someone Laugh
Laughter is the best medicine! So, spread some positivity by making the people around you laugh. Here are a few ideas of things you can do to make someone laugh.
Use a camera app with filters, like Snapchat or Instagram, to send someone a funny video or a message with a funny face.
Send them a cheesy joke through text or email.
Find quotes that can be funny when taken out of context and send them to each other.
Play funny games with each other through text. Jimmy Fallon plays a game on his show called Word Sneak. Each person has a list of five random words or phrases (like spam museum or moose or pantaloons) that they have to sneak into the conversation casually. So, text your friend a list of five words and then attempt to have a normal conversation. See where the conversation goes once you both start trying to sneak the words in.
It is essential to take the virus seriously, but it is also important to keep laughing. Laughter helps us feel connected and stay positive. So, do whatever it takes to make someone laugh.
Praise the People Who Are Working to Meet Each Other’s Needs
So many people are giving their all to make sure other people are taken care of. Many of them put their own health at risk in the process. Medical staff, janitorial staff, delivery/truck drivers, utility workers, are all examples. So many people are making sure that kids who typically rely on free school meals get fed.
If you know anyone who works in one of those positions, send them a note/text to tell them that you see them and are thankful for their efforts. It is not easy for them to go to work, knowing that they could get the virus and infect their family members when they get back home.
A lot of people are also working to make sure that we have digital resources, as well. Churches, schools, and businesses are going online with very little notice or preparation. Send your pastor, teacher, or friends a note to say that you were impressed with how quickly they adjusted their work to make it digital. If you happen to have skills related to technology, offer a helping hand.
Spread Hope and Talk About the Future
One of the reasons that this pandemic is so disheartening is that people are afraid. Some of us are afraid of the health implications, while others are worried about finances. Everyone is a little anxious and on edge right now. So, we need some hope.
Talk to your friends and family about the future. This crisis will not last forever. There is a future after COVID-19. Focus on that and make plans for the future. Having something to look forward to is an essential part of fighting against depression. So, talk about those things with hope and expectancy. Remind people that there are reasons to hope beyond this crisis.
Conclusion
The best part of all of these things is that when you work to spread positivity to someone else, you will also feel more joy. It is a great way to spend your time doing something other than watching Netflix. We all need some hope and positivity at this time. Lift someone else up and enjoy the benefits that you get for yourself as well.