If the events of the past ten days are starting to stress you out, unfortunately you’re not alone. This whole state of affairs is looking like a train wreck in slow motion. The likelihood that our situation will get much worse is pretty much guaranteed, and the thought is making a lot of us feel helpless. But there is one big thing we can all do to dampen the spread of infection: STAY HOME. If you can’t do that because your job is essential, then at least take all common-sense precautions to protect yourself and those you live with.

Yes, we can go out for groceries and other necessaries—so far. And by all means go for long walks and enjoy nature. But for love of God, please limit the company you keep! On a hike this past weekend, my husband and I encountered groups of college students hiking together, quite closely. They were huffing and puffing up a steep mountain, spraying spittle as they talked. Spit has a tendency to launch from our mouths during regular conversation, to say nothing of talking when we’re out of breath from strenuous activity!

Why is it that some people have a paralyzing fear of catching an infectious disease while others think it will never happen to them? Some young people think that even if they do get it, it won’t be so bad. This is a myth and a dangerous game to play; witness Patient 31 in South Korea who infected 1,000 people through her selfishness. Also, you can still be a carrier without being symptomatic, making it even more likely you’ll spread covid-19. If you parent a teenager or college student home for the duration, please forbid them to hang out with their friends in person. It’s the only way to flatten the curve and ensure our health system isn’t overwhelmed all at once. By taking care of yourself, you also take care of others.

Okay, rant over. Now here are some things to keep yourself occupied while you spend more time at home:

• Docu-series called Transcendence: “Radically transform your life and health.” It’s free through March 26. I haven’t watched it yet myself, but trusted friends in the healthcare network are highly recommending it.
• Daily Good bills itself as “news that inspires.” Lord knows we can all use some positive news now.
• Strictly for your viewing–listening pleasure, a bunch of famous people singing “Imagine” (although I could only identify a few by name)
• If you want to learn more about the funky way our brains work during times like these, listen to some episodes of Hidden Brain.

Things I’ve noticed or experienced during this crisis (yes, it is a crisis):

• Fewer airplanes in the sky, leaving the air fresher
• More families spending time together walking outside (nice, but keep your distance from others)
• Greater appreciation for what I have, including a well-paying job I can do at home, plenty of fresh food, a roof over my head, you–my readers, and a loving husband, just to name a few
• Quieter, less frantic habit of rushing around; suddenly I don’t feel a need to get everything done (maybe because I know I’ll have plenty of time to do more)

Ways I’m taking advantage of this situation, that is, recharging and resetting my life:

• Going back to eating a more plant-based diet
• Getting up at 5:30 to do 30 minutes of yoga followed by 30 minutes of meditation
• Spending more time creative writing; my next book will be published in September!
• Reducing my sugar intake—after I finish the chocolate coconut ice cream in my freezer
• Tackling the buckets of email in my “To Read” folder
• Producing guided meditation recordings (stay tuned)

If you have coping tips or self-care strategies you’d like to share, send me an email. I’ll write about them in future posts.

Read more about self-care on this blog. Also, until the mess is over, my memoir is available at a reduced price on Kindle ($2.99) and Amazon paperback (random Amazon price slash, so it could be anything on any given day).

Be well and take care