These are indeed trying times for everyone the world over. The Corona virus aka COVID19 is a pandemic that is sweeping through countries, wreaking havoc and leaving a lot of tears in its wake. Many countries are enforcing a total lockdown in order to trap its spread. The virus is already in Nigeria and because the government did not put measures on ground, the country was caught unawares and unprepared. Now everyone is scrambling to act right. Just like the WHO has advised, the following hygiene measures are still helpful. Each person has to take responsibility for himself; educate yourself and your family so that we can all play our parts in limiting the spread of the virus which has killed thousands all over the world.
HOW TO STAY SAFE
1. Wash your hands often with soap and water
2. Stay home and only go out if it’s absolutely necessary.
3. Use a face mask, wear hand gloves and use a hand sanitizer.
4. Avoid touching surfaces, avoid touching your face and mouth.
5. Sneeze or cough into you elbow and wash or use a hand sanitizer immediately.
6. Avoid hugging or hi-fiveing anyone.
7. Practice social distancing.
KEEP YOUR SPIRITS UP
In some states in Nigeria now, there’s a lockdown, others have a partial lockdown. Everyone is stocking up (well, for those who can afford to anyway). Foodstuff prices have skyrocketed even down to spices such as curry and thyme. Garri price has tripled, at least in my area. It is sad that some people want to use this sad time in the world as an opportunity to exploit their countrymen and women. The latest mantra nowadays is “Stay in your house”.
So while you’re home trying to stay safe, how do you stay sane, so to speak? Many people are not used to staying in the house 24 hrs a day. For extreme introverts, this is nothing new, but for the social butterflies, it is a dangerous territory. Some people do not enjoy their own company and only function when they are with other people. Some people have experienced a traumatic experience that now requires them to leave the house in order not to get sad and depressed. What do they do now? Now back to the question, how do you keep your chin and your spirits up in these depressing times?
1. MOVIES/SERIES
This is an opportunity to watch movies that work may not have allowed you to watch, especially if you’re a movie buff. All the series you’ve been longing to watch, now you can watch without inhibitions. One good thing about watching movies and series is that time passes quickly and this is definitely good.
2. PHONE CALLS
Yes of course we make phone calls “on a normal” but this is a different time zone honey. Now is the time those phone calls are needed like air (uncontaminated air, that is). If you’re single and are blessed to have a partner that you enjoy talking to (and vice versa), great! Use this opportunity to know more about them, have fun, be creative. If you have wonderful friendships, good for you. Be a wonderful friend especially now.
3. LEARN SOMETHING NEW
The day you stop learning is the day you start dying, remember that saying? So now that you HAVE TO, as a matter of necessity “stay in your house “, why not learn something new? It could be an online course, a training... it doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy. It could just be a new English word everyday or you could learn about countries and their cultures. Just try and learn something you didn’t know before.
4. DON’T OVER EAT
Hmmm, this is slippery ground. Some people stress-eat. Some people eat when they are bored and being at home could be boring. If you are one of those that eat whenever they are bored, now is he time to practice self control. You would need to help yourself because no one is going to be able to do that for you. When you feel like eating just because you are bored, occupy yourself with something else that takes your time that you forget about the food at least for a while. You don’t want to come out of this with unwanted weight gain.
5. PRAY
This is the most important way to keep your spirits up. Prayer is the key. Whether as a Muslim or Christian, prayer is an important part of each religion. Pray when you’re happy, sad, worried...pray in all situations. This period is a time to draw nearer to God. Repent of your sins, be better and do better for yourself and for the greater good of society.
This Corona Virus (COVID19) period is a phase that will surely pass. We only hope and pray it passes ASAP and that we are all alive and healthy when it’s all over. In the meantime, wash your hands, drink water and STAY IN YOUR HOUSE!!
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