We Won’t Let the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Win! Here’s How to Stay Happy Amid the Chaos
It’s crazy how quickly life can change. One day you’re going about your normal routine, and the next, you’re upending life as you know it to try and stay healthy. As we face this pandemic, even the most fearless and resilient among us will admit it’s scary, exhausting, and just plain HARD.
I had similar feelings while fighting cancer—feeling “ok” physically but learning suddenly that I wasn’t, having to make drastic changes in my life, and being afraid of what comes next. But we must get through this, so let’s talk about some ways to stop feeling helpless and start tackling this crisis with positivity.
Worry about what you CAN control, not what you can’t. It’s a difficult lesson for those of us who love being in charge: sometimes, it’s just not up to you. You can’t worry your way out of a viral illness any more than I could “will” my cancer into remission. What we can do is focus on taking care of ourselves and one another—whether it’s simply making sure you eat and sleep well, escaping with a good book, or texting your friends and family to check-in. The things that you can’t control will still be there, but your head will be much clearer! If you feel like you need help, many qualified mental health professionals are available through teletherapy.
Let your creativity run wild. Being stuck in the house doesn’t have to be all bad. If you’re alone, practice some new recipes, learn calligraphy, or just catch up on your favorite Netflix series. If you’ve got kids, challenge yourself to improve your fort-making skills, prepare them for adulting in the future with basic cooking or cleaning “lessons,” or take advantage of some of the free online classes available to kids. Train yourself to view this temporary lifestyle change as an opportunity, not a punishment.
Make virtual connections with your community. We’re isolated, but we still need one another...and thankfully, we have everything from Facebook to Whatsapp to keep us connected. If you’re feeling lonely or helpless, even waving to your neighbors from your front porch or reaching out to people on social media can help. If you need assistance due to limited mobility, or other challenges, call 211 or visit www.mi211.org for guidance. And if you’re looking to donate money or goods, don’t forget about the amazing local organizations working to provide food and supplies to community members in need. Tough times have a way of bringing out the best in us!
Ask for—and accept—help if you need it. These are unprecedented times that are sending shock waves through our communities. While we check in on our neighbors and friends, Governor Whitmer and the State are working hard to see Michigan workers and small businesses through this crisis.
For workers:
Governor Whitmer signed an Executive Order expanding eligibility to unemployment benefits through April 14, 2020. Eligibility is expanded to certain people who are immunocompromised or at greater risk of developing COVID-19, needing to care for someone with COVID-19, or caring for family as a result of a government directive. More information is available here or you can file here.
For small businesses:
Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Council are committed to supporting the more than 873,000 small businesses in our state and over 2 million Michiganders they employ. Small businesses can apply for relief through the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans or through the Michigan Small Business Relief Program. Michigan business owners can also go here for more resources and information pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The most important step, though, is to listen to the recommendations of our leaders at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO). So many people are working day in and day out to keep COVID-19 from spreading even more than it has, but they can only succeed if we take their advice seriously. Stay home whenever you can. Wash your hands! Buy what you need, but be mindful of leaving supplies for your fellow citizens. And remember that, throughout history, Americans have faced countless hard times and met each challenge with grit and determination. This pandemic is no different. We can do it, and we will.