We had no idea when all of this started that a couple of weeks into the coronavirus/Covid-19 pandemic our governor would order us to shelter in place. The order went into effect last Friday afternoon at 5 p.m., and we come out from under it on Monday, April 20, at 8 a.m.
We will assume it will be lifted if we get the desired results. If not, of course, the deadline will be subject to change. The good news is that the stock market seems to have stabilized and will eventually come back.
Some people have a tendency to overthink situations like self-quarantine. Realizing that everyone is in the same boat will help, as will knowing that as soon as these orders are lifted it will be back to work as normal, or as much as can be.
Take care of yourself physically and mentally during this time.
I find it humorous that some of my friends are already claiming to be stir-crazy, and this period has just begun. But seriously, this kind of isolation can lead to depression in some folks so it is important that you develop a game plan so you don’t have to deal with mental health issues. Establish a routine: get up, get dressed, and get active. Do some of those tasks that you have put off forever.
One of the most important things is to establish good sleeping habits with seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Should you need a nap, limit it to 10 to 20 minutes so that groggy feeling does not overcome you.
If you have a computer or a smart phone you can log onto exercise classes and participate at home. It may be time for you to consider yoga. You can find that on the web also. Go for a walk outdoors to get rid of that pent up energy.
To mitigate the isolation while you are sheltering in place, contact your friends and family though digital media. You can call or stay up with everyone through platforms like Facebook or texting.
If you are in need of companionship how about a pet? They can keep you active and a bunch of them are always available for adoption right here in the county. If you have a pet, it could be time to teach them a new trick.
Try something new to stave off boredom. Read a new book. If you don’t have one, contact some of your friends and make arrangements to borrow one. This could be time to take up a new hobby like gardening. Write a journal about what you are doing.
We received notice that the Simpson County Country Club intends to stay open. They have enacted a plan for social distancing as well as providing some outside exercise on the golf course. We hear that some of the fishermen were getting antsy about the shelter in place order. It appeared, though, that the Governor provided a little latitude in that area. You can fish, just not at state lakes and reservoirs.
The list goes on, and you should have plenty of free time in the upcoming days to do new things.
Try not to watch too much television news, which is all doom and gloom now, and that is not good for a person to hear over and over again.
Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann asked that churches start ringing their bells across the state at 6 p.m. through Monday, April 20. This is great encouragement to our community and also a way to show unity.
The most important thing to do is to remember that most of us are going to be just fine.
If you have questions about yourself and your salvation now is the time to contact one of our local churches to express your needs and they will be happy to help with a plan of salvation.
Knowing there is hope is very comforting in times of trials and tribulations.
