The last 30-60 days, Americans’ lives have been completely turned upside-down. We wanted to bring to you a few ways to help protect yourself from the anxiety and illness that we are facing on a global scale together.
WEAR A FACE MASK
Wearing a face mask is certainly not an iron-clad guarantee that you won’t get sick – viruses can also transmit through the eyes and tiny viral particles, known as aerosols, can penetrate masks. However, masks are effective at capturing droplets, which is a main transmission route of coronavirus, and some studies have estimated a roughly five fold protection versus no barrier alone (although others have found lower levels of effectiveness).
If you are likely to be in close contact with someone infected, a mask cuts the chance of the disease being passed on. If you’re showing symptoms of coronavirus, or have been diagnosed, wearing a mask can also protect others. So masks are crucial for health and social care workers looking after patients and are also recommended for family members who need to care for someone who is ill – ideally both the patient and carer should have a mask.
However, masks will probably make little difference if you’re just walking around town.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN FACE MASK.
WASH YOUR HANDS
According to UNICEF there are 9 things you need to know about washing your hands to protect against coronavirus (COVID-19). Wearing gloves can help protect you, but have you seen how fast germs can spread with or without gloves? Here are some information videos to help keep you in the know about germs/viruses.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN HAND SANITIZER.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
We know this is a super tough one. In Carrollton Texas we have been ordered Shelter In Place for nearly 3 weeks. Humans (well most humans) are social creatures. We love our hugs and hand shakes. However, the CDC and all medical and government agencies cannot emphasize enough the importance right now of social distancing in flattening the curve.
This makes us a bit stir crazy, causing us to binge watch the last 10 years of shows we have missed from working crazy hours or we may get a bit creative and dig into some of the hobbies we put on the back burner…like our indoor hydroponic green house of vegetables.
Some have been faced with the challenge of being home with the kids trying to do your best with homeschooling efforts as we work from home. Others have found them selves staring down their spouses day in and day out and going on multiple walks with the dog just to get out for some fresh air, sunlight and space before you need to be committed!
PRACTICE YOGA
So in the midst of a global pandemic of COVID-19 or coronavirus, many have decided to self isolate. Yes the stress is all around us and at times we feel like there is no end in sight but we have to remember that if we simply pause, close our eyes, and realize that peace starts within then we can conquer and handle any challenge that life brings our way.
Right now is about finding time for you. Returning to yourself. Returning home…literally. Lets use this opportunity to take more time each day to return to ourselves. To reconnect with all that beautiful energy that is within us.
How do we do that?
Roll out your mat. Get your body moving. Only fifteen minutes of breath and movement and you will step off your mat and into your life feeling energized and refreshed helping to keep your body and mind healthy and happy.
Meditate. Meditation is especially beneficial for reducing stress. Studies show it can also reduce depression and anxiety, and help people manage chronic pain.
Breathe. Deep breathing sends a message to your brain that has a calming effect. It can lower your heart rate and breathing rate, decrease your blood pressure, reduce muscle tension and help you feel less stressed overall – all essential for your health and well-being.
