Are You Taking Notes? (Quarantine Edition)
The last few weeks have been very, very intense for most of the world. In addition to the regular shit life throws at us daily, Nashville was hit with a deadly tornado, and now the entire country is dealing with an unfamiliar virus. A virus that’s making our already vulnerable and older population feel even more susceptible. I’m not here to express my opinion on the virus itself. I’m already bothered by people on Facebook passing around inaccurate information, judging others for feeling differently than they do, and being extra with their opinions.
I do want to point out that amidst the chaos, we might be forgetting to do something very important—take notes about what we’re learning from all of this. What can we do in our own lives to better prepare us for our future? For circumstances like this one, other emergency situations, and everyday life struggles. I’d like to share what’s jumping out for me the most. I urge you to take your own notes and start making plans for how you can better prepare when we get to the other side of this.
1. FINANCES. Saving money can be boring. I get it. Money is meant to be enjoyed. You worked hard to earn it, dammit! And it’s much more fun to go spend it as soon as you get it. #YOLO However, you can’t deny how crucial it is to have a savings account for emergencies. You never know what life is going to hand you at any given moment so it’s important to be prepared. I realize many are already facing financial adversity and maybe even living paycheck to paycheck, but you must find a way to start setting money aside. Even if it’s just a little at a time. Even if it means you have to cut down on fun extras for a bit—it’s called adulting. Prioritize what you can live without in order to get a good savings started. For example, take a large piece or your income tax return and put it in the bank instead of spending it on dumb shit.
2. HYGIENE. Don’t be nasty. I cannot believe the amount of people that don’t regularly wash or sanitize their hands. Do you realize how many people don’t wash their hands after going to the restroom? Their disgusting ass hands are touching the same door handles, grocery buggies, pens, and credit card machines that you do. They also use those hands to shake your hand! Then you go back and touch all your personal stuff (like your cell phone and your food). Ewwww. It might also be a good thing to take showers and brush your teeth on a regular basis if you are able, but that’s just my personal preference. Nonetheless, while you’re out interacting with other people, have the courtesy to wash your hands to prevent the spread of other illnesses that are floating around.
3. RESPOND. DON’T REACT. There’s a difference. A reaction is based in the moment. It gives instant gratification and provides an emotional release, but doesn’t take into consideration the long term effects of what you do or say. A response comes more slowly. It requires you to take in the facts before you act and consider the well-being of you and others around you. It weighs the long term effects and stays in line with your core values. Responding will give you better results every single time.
Get your facts from a reputable source. In case you don’t already know, Facebook is not one of those sources. Incorrect information is dangerous not only because it’s wrong, but because it can spread so quickly. It can cause people to panic and unnecessarily react (buying up all the toilet paper). Be intentional about where you get your information. Double check to make sure it’s correct. You are in charge of your emotions and your actions so take a pause before you carry out your next move.
4. COMPASSION. We are all experiencing this at the same time. When there isn’t a state of emergency, humans are still experiencing hardships in their daily life. Please keep in mind that you aren’t the only person in the world that is suffering. Obviously you should take care of yourself and your family first. Be sure you have what you need, but don’t be selfish and forget that others sometimes need the same things that you do. Overstocking items for your home and leaving none for others is selfish. This is what leads to outages and panic.
There will always be people that will overreact and underreact—to any and every situation. I realize it can be annoying from where you’re sitting, but TRY to chill. We’re not operating on the same information, our brains function differently, and our fears and priorities vary. You don’t know what they’re thinking and feeling. Just because it’s different from you doesn’t make it wrong. It’s how they’re choosing to cope. Maybe you’re fortunate to have better coping skills than they do. Maybe something happened in their life that makes them act that way. Take a minute and put yourself in their shoes. Finding a way to be empathetic can reduce your feelings of annoyance and anger. Just like you desire understanding and kindness from others, they desire it from you.
5. SELF CARE. You cannot properly take care of others, manage your stress, maintain healthy relationships, be productive long term, avoid illness, be present, keep a positive attitude, stay sharp and focused, and make the right decisions for yourself without it. Notice I said “properly”. I’m sure you can do some of them, but you won’t be able to do all of them well. Make time to take care of YOU. Ask yourself what you need (or want) and do it—regularly. Fill your cup so the world gets the best version of you. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Self care is crucial right now. Stress and anxiety levels are high. You won’t be able to think clearly and perform at your best unless you step away and tend to your needs.
I try my best to look for a bright side, especially in situations like this. Humans are so busy. Rushing around to get everything done in our full calendars causes us to miss, skip, or re-prioritize the important things. Maybe, just maybe, we all need this pause.
There’s a lot of uncertainty that’s out of our control. I’m not saying we should completely ignore it. By all means, prepare where you can. But I am saying this: Don’t spend all day in this headspace trying to control the uncertainty. Use some time throughout the day to enjoy what is right in front of you. Slow down and take a break. Nap. Or sleep the whole damn day away if your body needs it. Appreciate the silence around you. If you can’t completely stop, slow it down a little. Meditate. Learn to meditate. Take care of projects you’ve been putting off. Fully engage with the people in your house (or engage with someone on Facetime). While engaging, talk about things other than the situation at hand. If you can spend money, shop online—preferably with local businesses. Get outside even if the weather isn’t perfect. Use this time to do things you don’t normally get to do. Take advantage of this mandatory recess. This is all temporary. Take a deep breath. Take several deep breaths. Find SOMETHING good about it.
