COVID-19: The Science, How To Help, and Handling The Stress

Dr. Hillary McBride, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Michael Gungor talk about COVID-19 and its impact on our health, culture, and economy. Many news sources are discussing the pandemic using the titles "Coronavirus" or "COVID-19." Here are some quick facts and terminology to help you understand what it all means: This virus is a "novel coronavirus," meaning it is a new coronavirus that humans have not experienced before The virus' name is SARS-CoV-2 The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 is called COVID-19 which stands for Coronavirus Disease-2019 There are 3 strategies that health experts recommend: Hygienic measures like frequent hand-washing, avoiding touching your face, always covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and STAYING HOME when you exhibit any symptoms of illness. Sanitizing surfaces often, like light switches, door knobs, desks, and counter-tops. Social Distancing (more on this below) A primary way to aid in this crisis is the third point: social distancing. Here are the 3 elements of proper social distancing: Meet in-person with people less often. When you do meet with people, limit how many people are present. (As of mid-March 2020 that looks like less than 10 people at one time.) When you interact with people, keep a 6 foot bubble around yourself. Greet with a wave and show kindness with your words instead of handshakes, hugs, or other physical touch. Here are 6 ideas for how to cope with stress and isolation during this time: Be physically active in your home through yoga, push ups, stretching or our favorite: a dance party! Physical activity allows your body to release tension instead of storing it. Using movement and expression can help our nervous system get back to a state of rest. Strategically be active in open, outdoor spaces where few people are. Go for a walk in the woods, hike on a trail, or run in a large open park. Talk virtually with friends and family often. Here at The Liturgists, we are running The Sunday Thing every Sunday at 11am Pacific as a way to get connected with people — you are invited! Visit theliturgists.com and there is a big button to sign up. Practice meditation and mindfulness. Even for just a few moments a day notice what is happening with your thoughts and see if you can try to catch them if they are wandering into anxiety-laden territory Scan your body regularly for tension, if you notice it, try to take some breaths, soften your muscles, or practice progressive Muscle Relaxation (you can look lots of these audio tracks and scripts up online). Play, create, make, express, design, write. Move things through you existentially. Turning your inside stuff into something on the outside can be so empowering. You can transform your pain and uncertainty into something beautiful you can see. Plus, share what you are making by going to theliturgists.com/make You can also stay up-to-date with the CDC's COVID-19 Resource Guide. You are not alone! You can join us each Sunday to talk with other liturgists around the world and meet in small groups. It is one of the most meaningful things we do. To find out more, visit theliturgists.com and look for the "Join The Liturgists" button.