Protecting Yourself During COVID-19
One coping mechanism that can help many people during this pandemic is focusing on yourself and your own health. At first hearing all of the cases of COVID-19 rise dramatically, it can freak you out and cause you to worry. However, you can not worry about the people that have been affected, and I do not mean that in a bad way.
In order for things to get better we all need to focus on ourselves and make sure that we are taking the right precautions. Which includes wearing a mask, washing our hands and social distancing. To some, a few of these things can seem strange, such as wearing a mask.
Before this pandemic, no one had to worry about wearing a mask when you went out in public, now it is highly enforced. Many people do not like to wear a mask, just because it can get all hot and stuffy while wearing them. However, it can keep us protected from possible contracting the virus and spreading it.
Another way to focus on our well being is washing our hands. I am sure that many of us, I hope, wash our hands before we eat and after the bathroom. Now we need to wash our hands even more because of the virus. If we do not have access to wash our hands, then we should try and use hand sanitizer if there is any available.
Lastly, another great way to make sure that you are safe is social distancing. Which many of us are not to familiar with, but we need to get used to. I am sure many of us wished this social distancing rule was put into place a long time ago for personal space issues. Normally, when going out in public we would not have to worry about standing or sitting 6- feet apart from someone.
Worry about yourself is just the best thing you can do at this time. It works in most situations because if you follow those three things people would not give you crazy eyes, if you are standing to close to them or not wearing a mask. Also, if you are at work, just try and take care of yourself and make sure you are safe.
I for one, use this coping mechanism, especially when I am at work. It is easier to focus on you than others around you because you cannot control them and what they do. Many family and peers have also tried this coping mechanism and it has worked out well for them. They just make sure that they are following all the rules and regulations and life goes smother for them.
I know that it can seem like a weird and selfish thing to do by worry just about yourself in a time like this. However, it just needs to be done, now I do not want to be confusing here, but still help people out if they need it. Just try to focus on yourself when it comes to wearing a mask, washing your hands and social distancing. If no one else is doing it then at least you know and can say that you did your part.
Author Bios
Danielle Williams is a senior, at Millikin University, and she is outgoing, energetic, and highly motivated. She strive to work hard and make her dreams come true.
Elijah McClinton is a junior, at Millikin University. He is easy going, passionate, and is quick to adapt to new situations. He is always looking to improve and will always be willing to put in the extra work to come out on top.