My Thoughts on COVID-19 (+ How I’m Dealing)
I don’t want to add noise or panic to an already trying time, but felt I should at least share my thoughts and ways I’m dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic that is affecting the entire world right now. Click through to see my favorite resources, to weigh in on upcoming blog topics (because I still want to share home & interior goodness- including my bathroom reveal tomorrow!), my tips for aleviating stress surrounding the outbreak, ways to entertain yourself at home when social distancing, and how Emmett & I are staying sane and doing our part. While I’d much rather share a home decor or interior-related post today… this has weighed heavy on my mind and I felt I might as well share a heartfelt post so we can move forward and get through this thing together!
Before I get started… obviously I am not a doctor or medical professional, so I’ll keep this post short, sweet, and personal. My goal for this one is to acknowledge what is going on in the world, share my thoughts, mainly ask for feedback on the types of uplifting blog topics you’d like to see in the coming weeks, and help to be a positive light for my community.
MY FAVORITE RESOURCES
One frustration I’m personally having is sorting the accurate, credible resources from media noise. I’m trying to limit myself to a few trustworthy resources to filter the noise and reduce anxiety surrounding the topic. Be careful where you get your information and double check the credibility before sharing with others. In a time where panic is already widespread, sharing misinformation can be troubling.
I wanted to list a few of my favorite sources to help digest and stay current on the situation (these are just my personal preference)…
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) // Get up-to-date news, outbreak stats, travel info, current conditions, how to prepare, what to do if you get sick, and more.
- Harvard Health (Harvard Medical School) // They keep their Coronavirus Resource Center up-to-date and provide a helpful Q&A section.
- My Local News // Following your favorite local news channel can provide you with info on what is happening in your surrounding area (where drive-thru test locations are set up, closings & cancellations, etc).
- Jessica Yellin IG // One of my best friends told me about Jessica on IG and recommended I give her a follow. I think the way she breaks down news coverage on COVID-19 is fantastic. She does the tough legwork and research, provides credible sources, and gives important unbiased sound bites… kind of like cliff notes. The way she filters also helps me from wallowing in the news for hours on end (again- helping anxiety).
MY FAMILY
First of all, BIG shoutout to those who work in healthcare and are showing up everyday to provide quality care- whether it’s for COVID-19 cases or not. While we’re all preparing and practicing social distancing, those in the medical field are working countless hours to prepare and keep things afloat. Thank you for selflessly putting the needs of our community and country before your own. Fact…. 90% of mine and Emmett’s family works in healthcare. Our sisters, our aunts, his mother, our grandmothers, cousins, etc… the list goes on. We’re kind of the odd balls in the family who didn’t pursue a medical or health related career. All of that to say, our love and appreciation for you guys runs deep, and THANK YOU for being on the front lines.
So- what are Emmett and I doing in the midst of all of this? To be honest, this hasn’t really changed my routine since I already work from home, but we are social distancing and are doing our part to flatten the curve. I am an anxious person and know I have a slightly elevated risk (having asthma and having just recovered from bronchitis… my last breathing treatment was less than a month ago), so I’m trying to practice better self care. Emmett’s workplace is still operating under regular business hours for now, but he’s being very cautious and careful at his office and we’re both staying home outside of his travel to and from work. We’re also cancelling our personal travel plans (including our much awaited trip to Denver for Emmett’s birthday). We’re taking this very seriously and are here to help if anyone in our community needs us (I mean that). Bottom line… we are prepared, taking necessary precautions, and are doing our best to be level headed and positive.
With that said- my plan is to go about the blog per usual, in hopes it will be a nice way to escape and distract. See more on that in the topic below!
THE BLOG + TOPICS YOU WANT TO SEE?
That brings me to the main thing I wanted to talk to you about. I don’t want to seem insensitive posting regular home content, but it’s also what I’m passionate about, is providing a nice way for me to de-stress (and hopefully for you too!), plus I want to share uplifting, relevant posts while we all have plenty of time to pass from the comforts of our homes.
Some ideas I’ve been kicking around?
- Ways to Update & Improve Your Home (Without Taking a Trip to the Store)
- 10 Ways to De-Stress In Your Home
- Easy Home Improvement Projects to Tackle This Week
- Sharing More of My Favorite Recipes
- Ways to Avoid “Cabin Fever” While Social Distancing
- A Weekly Home Challenge (We Can Do Together)
Do any of these sound good to you? What do YOU want to see and read, if you have extra time on your hands at home? Normal posts per usual? Home and interior topics that are applicable given our current situation? I’m all ears for any ideas you might have! I’m here to help distract and brighten your day. That is really my main goal… to share inspiration, educate on home & interiors, and provide light-hearted entertainment. It would mean so much to me if you could share your ideas in the comment section at the end of the post!
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TIME SPENT AT HOME
I’m planning to take advantage of extra time spent at home. I’m eager to brainstorm new ideas, tackle projects on my to-do list (like finishing the wallpaper in my powder room), and make delicious home cooked meals. I’m also stepping outside in our backyard or am sitting on my balcony to soak up sunshine and signs of spring any chance I get. Some quick things to remember before I sign off…
- There is no need to isolate yourself (which breeds anxiety) even when social distancing. That’s the beauty of technology and social media… we can stay connected with friends & family without putting others at risk! Remember- you are NOT alone.
- Gain a new perspective. This is not the first or the worst crisis in history. It will eventually pass, we’ll overcome this together, and it will lead to improvements.
- Remember to laugh. Watch a funny movie, share hilarious memes with friends, play games, and try to have a little fun. You don’t have to stop living and enjoying life.
- Be generous, kind, and respectful. If you do have to run to the store or pharmacy- ask your elderly neighbors or high risk individuals if they need anything. Call to check in on those in your neighborhood.
- Don’t drown in the news. Being informed is awesome, but if you have anxiety, maybe limit the amount of time you spend reading news articles. Take time to do other things and don’t let the news consume you. Turn on some music, read a book, or step into the sunshine.
- Celebrate small victories. Spring is here, the days are getting longer and light filled, trees are budding, flowers will begin to bloom, and we’re entering a season of growth. Let’s embrace that! By canceling a trip, do you now have time to tackle a house project that will make you happier in your home? That’s still a win!
We’re all going to get through this together and my plan is to find the silver lining along the way. Let’s try to enjoy social distancing, spending time in our beautiful homes with our families, while breathing through the unknown or waves of anxiety. I’m here for you if you need me!
I’ll be back with a regular blog post tomorrow, which happens to be the BASEMENT BATHROOM REVEAL (yay)! Definitely check back tomorrow to see the finished space and some crazy before & after images. I’m very excited to share it with you!
Again, I would absolutely love to hear what you guys want to see on the blog in the next week or two… please leave your ideas, feedback, and thoughts in the comment section below. Sending lots of love. -Sarah