Yesterday, after I sent out an essential email closure letter to my clients encouraging people to try and stay home and follow proper hygiene procedures, while outlining the current statistical modelling for COVID-19, I received an email from a client that was concerned about fear mongering. But with spring break coming to a close and many Canadians returning home, it is hard not to be a little concerned about what may lie ahead for Canada in the next few weeks. At the same time, being “stuck” at home for an extrovert like myself is certainly a challenge, especially when I love going to work or going out and about.
So what is likely going to happen in Canada in the weeks to come? First I want to address the fear mongering.
I understand that for people with health anxiety, this is must be a very scary time. I completely empathize. However, part of me knows that taking control of ones health, understanding what is underlying ones condition, and focusing on overcoming significant health challenges is very possible and comes with such an amazing sense of liberty. So when it comes to chronic health concerns, the way I see it is that change equals liberty, which will be hindered by fear. Change in diet, change in lifestyle, learning to be mindful about how we feel and what is happening in our bodies helps create freedom. An additional note … I have read a lot of quotes about our grandparents going to war, (which 2 of mine did,) and the freedoms they gave up. We are being asked to stay at home to help our fellow Canadians. Well facing oneself is sometimes scarier than facing ones enemies but we can do this.
In the weeks to come we are going to hear about a lot of sick people, no doubt. Sadly, everyone of us will be impacted by COVID-19. Do we need to check this 20 or 30 times per day, by continuously streaming news feeds or reading articles. Is this healthy? Probably not. Maybe it is helpful to understand the outcomes that are predicted by public health and epidemiology (excluding anything that Dr Trump has to say of course) which is that almost everyone is likely to get the COVID-19 virus or get immunized against it. The slower the virus is transmitted the less overwhelmed our healthcare system will be, so this is why it is important to stay home. While you are at home, and no doubt this is the hard part, try to do something productive like reading or hobbying or learning a new skill. Try to move around everyday and even consider doing some push up, sit ups, squats or do an online pilates or yoga class. Try to maintain moderation around food and alcohol. Consider learning how to quiet your mind, or meditate. Be kind to yourself.