How To Be Kind During A Pandemic
Coronavirus is scary, but that doesn’t mean we should forget our compassion
It is understandable that people would panic in a time of uncertainty. But in our blind panic, some of us are failing to see the bigger picture.
Only weeks ago in the UK the matra “be kind” was all over social media after the heart-breaking suicide of TV presenter Caroline Flack. It didn’t take long for the UK to stop thinking about how their actions affect other people as they swarmed the shops and started to panic buy in fear of being the next victim of coronavirus. I would like to ask these people who emptied the shelves of toilet roll, anti-bacterial wipes, and other essentials if they thought about the phrase “be kind” as they over-stocked on supplies, leaving nothing on the shelves for the rest of us. Did they think of the vulnerable as they took the last bottles of hand sanitizer? Did they think of the hospitals and care homes that would struggle? Did they think of the people who have weekly budgets and do not have the luxury to buy in bulk? Possibly not. They were thinking of themselves.
It is important now more than ever to remember to be kind. Here’s how we can help others and not just think of ourselves during this difficult time.
Self isolate if you have symptoms
This may seem obvious, but we are a society of perseveres; it is in our nature to carry on and only rest when we have reached our limit. All of a sudden COVID-19 has forced us to rapidly switch our thinking. It’s time to take care of ourselves and stay at home, even if it’s just a cough or a sniffly nose.
You matter. You deserve to be taken care of instead of working your fingers to the bone even though you are unwell. And if you cannot do it for yourself, then self isolate at the first sign of symptoms for others. You may have mild symptoms, but you could pass on the virus to someone and make them severely ill.
Give away your extra items
Don’t sell them. If you have extra items, consider giving some to people who are going to really need them. If they have coronavirus, you can leave them on the doorstep. Alternatively, if you have nothing spare to give away…
