STAY home and stay calm is the repeated advice for all of us when we watch television and listen to radio programs in managing our present crisis. Even so, how can we overcome feelings of insecurity caused by our present crisis?
First of all, may we be familiar with the ancient definition of crisis which is an opportunity riding on dangerous winds. Crisis has a devastating impact on our self-confidence and our hopes for the future because of its six characteristics.
*Crisis hits suddenly without warning. And crisis strikes at a point in life in which everything is going well. Our whole being becomes absorbed in the crisis and wonder whether life will ever return to a normal state of affairs.
*Crisis threatens our security. Crisis causes us to panic because we might lose something very precious that has given structure, meaning and purpose to life. Our pillars of security are shaken and we feel vulnerable.
*Crisis is unpredictable. We simply do not know how things are going to turn out which is crisis’ most unsettling component.
*Crisis presents dilemmas. A dilemma arises because there are no clear-cut solutions to difficult problems. And sometimes we are forced to make decisions on issues about which we have little knowledge and little experience. We consult our friends, loved ones, family members and anyone else who can help.
*Crisis erodes self-confidence. The sudden impact of a negative event reminds us that life is fragile.
*Crisis helps us redefine our values. The redemptive legacy of a crisis experience is that we learn what is most valuable to us.
There is much we can do to prevent the onset of illness which is Covid-19 Virus, our present crisis. We can consider these five things to get on the road to better health everyday.
*Practice good hygiene. We should wash our hands after using the toilet, after changing diapers/helping a child to use the toilet, before/after treating a wound/cut, before/after being with someone who is sick, before preparing/serving/eating food, after sneezing/coughing/blowing our nose, after touching an animal/animal waste and after handling garbage to protect our health and that of others. We wear face mask if needed.
*Use a safe water supply. We ensure that all our drinking water including the water used for brushing teeth, making ice, washing food/dishes/cooking come from a safe source such an adequately treated public supply or sealed bottles from a reputable firm.
*We watch what we eat. We need a healthy balanced diet for good nutrition. We need to consider our intake of salt, fats, sugar, portion sizes of fruits/ vegetables. We also need to vary what we eat.
*Stay physically active. The kind of physical activity that is right for us depends on our age and our health. So it would be wise to consult our doctor before beginning any new exercise program.
*Get enough sleep. The amount of sleep varies from person to person. But in general, adults sleep eight hours a day.
Above all, we always pray to our Merciful God that we overcome our present crisis soonest.