The onset of the novel coronavirus has caused nationwide chaos and prompted many of us to make sweeping lifestyle changes. Unsurprisingly, this has been a stressful period for countless Americans. With millions losing the jobs, facing eviction and coping with the virus’s long-term effects, emotions are running high and tempers are running short. In times like these, it’s important for us to show consideration for others and respect their personal struggles. Not only can good deeds and understanding help alleviate people’s individual burdens, they can help you maintain sound mental health throughout this crisis.
Wearing a Mask
Wearing a mask is among the simplest and most effective ways you can help curb the spread of COVID-19. That being the case, make a point of donning a face mask every time you leave your home or interact with unfamiliar third parties. In addition to wearing a mask, it’s imperative that you wear it properly – i.e., with your nose and mouth fully covered. Many people have an unfortunate tendency to leave their noses uncovered, which practically defeats the purpose of wearing a mask in the first place. As an added bonus, masks can also make fun fashion accessories. For example, if you’re in the market for a fashionable girls face mask, you shouldn’t have to look very hard.
Running Errands for Immunocompromised Individuals
Although we’re all at risk of developing COVID-19, certain groups are more likely to be severely impacted by the virus than others. Case in point: senior citizens and people with compromised immunity. While every outside-the-house activity comes with a fair amount of risk these days, running basic errands during an out-of-control pandemic is liable to be an uphill battle for these individuals. As such, if you have any immunocompromised friends, family members or acquaintances, consider offering to pick up their groceries, prescriptions and other essential items. This will save them the trouble of venturing out in public, thereby helping reduce their risk of infection.
Additionally, if there are technologically-challenged individuals in your orbit, you can help make their lives easier by showing them how to take advantage of remote shopping options. For example, many grocery stores now allow customers to do their shopping online and pick up their orders without having to leave their vehicles. Unfortunately, a fair number of seniors are unaware such options exist, while others are too intimidated by technology to utilize them.
Performing Mental Health Check-ins
There’s no denying that these are stressful times. Unsurprisingly, the threat of a worsening pandemic can take a tremendous toll on even the most well-adjusted individual’s mental health. With feelings of fear and depression running rampant, it’s important to provide emotional support to anyone in your life that’s been hit particularly hard by the current crisis. In addition to regularly checking in with these individuals via video chat, phone calls and text messaging, point them in the direction of skilled therapists who offer remote counseling. Furthermore, for the sake of your own mental health, try to check in with your loved ones on a consistent basis. Even if you’re unable to physically occupy the same space, video chat can be a serviceable substitute.
Support Local Small Businesses
If you’re in a good place financially, consider donating to local small businesses that have been hit hard by the pandemic. If a business you wish to support isn’t accepting outright donations, you can still help out by making remote purchases from their website. Additionally, while dining out is extremely unsafe at the current time, ordering takeout from your favorite restaurants can be a great way to help them keep their lights on.
The vast majority of Americans have never lived through anything on the scale of the current pandemic. Barring centurions who were around for the 1918 Spanish Flu, most of us have found ourselves in very unfamiliar waters. As is the case with most crises, behaving in a selfish or self-interested manner only stands to make the situation worse. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities for you to be part of the solution instead of an active contributor to the problem. Anyone looking for great ways to lend a helping hand during COVID-19 should consider the pointers discussed above.
