Stress and Coronavirus - part II

I am SO STRESSED *&(*&(&^%**$ - Part II

From https://www.success.com/7-tips-for-dealing-with-your-coronavirus-anxiety/

I started looking at this article yesterday (and got through two of the seven items).

Let’s go!!

-3 Be logical and not emotional

The local grocery stores have been “invaded”.  The first time I knew this, I was at the HEB (about two miles away) and as I am walking up to the door, a lady coming out (I smiled at her as I normally do to all people) said to me “They are out of toilet paper”.  While I haven’t studied my toilet paper usage, I’m probably two to three rolls a month. It is probably more now - so let’s say three rolls a month. (In past days, when I exercised at the Georgetown Recreation Center, I would frequently use their facilities - yes - too much information).  There was one day when I wanted some peanut butter (that is a ‘necessity’ for me), the first time I went, the line outside the door was about half a block long, so I passed on it. The second time, about six hours later, there was no line to get in, but the line to get to a check-out was maybe even longer!!!  There were people with TWO carts - filled to the brim. Some shelves were empty. My guess is that there is a lot of hoarding going on. Do you need a package of 48 rolls of toilet paper? Or a case of 24 bottles of bottled water? (And, I rarely drink bottled water - as I don’t want the plastic to end up on a landfill and our water tastes pretty good!!)

-4 Don’t panic

Like the last point, some people panic.  What if there is no toilet paper? Well, maybe you’ll have to use a washcloth to clean “down there” (and of course, run that through the washer).  

-5 Evaluate the possibilities and the probabilities.

Roads are open, trucks are delivering food, produce (and toilet paper) every day to my local HEB.  The last time I was in (yesterday), there was plenty of toilet paper!!! I even found peanut butter!!!!  

-6 Use your time wisely

My friend AP has used this time to clean her closet.  I’m not that desperate yet - although I have been thinking about cleaning and reorganizing the kitchen. In my 582 square feet of apartment, I just don’t have much kitchen counter space - and with a double sink, a microwave, coffeepot, crock pot, stove, cutting mat, dish dryer, I probably need to organize my space.  If I only use the crock pot once or twice a week, I can put it away (that is, get it off the counter!!).

-7 Be positive

Yes, in history, there have been major plagues - the Spanish Flu, the Black Plague.  Yes, we can have a real pandemic - but we don’t need to panic. Yes, I’m staying home but getting outside for some nice walks when I can - although the forecast is for 100% chance of rain and cool temperatures today.  In the past I would go to the indoor rec center to get my walking (and other exercise). I can go to Walmart and walk around. I like to get five miles a day walking, but just can’t get that everyday when it rains. (I don’t think IKEA is open - I can get a couple of miles there - just following their path through all their departments!!!).

Attitude is everything.

How about ending with a couple of scriptures:

Psalm 91 (excerpt)

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare  and from the deadly pestilence.  He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge;  his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

*****

I like this as it mentions “pestilence” twice and “plague” - rest in the shadow of the Almighty!!

(And, if you will, God will ‘cover’ you with his feathers and under His wings you will find refuge!!! - I think that verse is more poetic than literal!!!)

Hugs!!!  

Stay safe, stay positive, stay rational, and BE HAPPY!!!

Karen