Episode #51

Coronavirus:

How Sheltering in Place Can Make Us Better Humans

This episode addresses our mental well-being in the face of the dramatic changes that have taken place over the last week.

Join Sara and Misasha as they offer encouragement during this time of “social distancing” and the fear that is developing around it.

“Gratitude can be that thing that helps us look for opportunities to help each other.” Sara

Show Highlights:

Sara leads a brief meditation and mindfulness exercise on gratitude.
Shifting your mindset to “I get to do this” instead of “I have to do this” can make a big difference in the way you feel.
Pointers from Dr. Sue Varma:
- Limit your news sources.
- We need something to do.
- Buy only what you need for a defined period of time.
- Think about how to separate emotion from fact.
- Make regular phone or video calls to people you love or who are in your immediate community.
- Think about how you can help those who need food, medicine, or basics, especially if they’re elderly or immunocompromised.
Consider the nextdoor app to get updates on your neighborhood.
Remember to exercise! Get plenty of sleep, and eat as healthy as you can.
Music is a great tool to change up the energy.
Re-organize or catch up on other tasks you’ve been putting off.
Nearly 22 million low-income kids from across the country rely on the free and reduced-price meals they receive from school, and for many of them that is the only nutritious food they might receive on any given day.
“No Kid Hungry” helps to bridge the gap during the summertime for these kids. They are now shifting the focus to helping fill the current needs.
“Blessings in a Backpack” helps ensure kids have what they need to be successful at school and are taking steps to make sure these kids are taken care of, even if the schools are closed.
Some school districts are planning to hand out food.
If you’re at the store and you see food labeled with “WIC” (it has a red circle), and you are not part of the “Women, Infants, and Children” program, please leave those foods for those who receive federal assistance with their groceries and have a limited selection of items from which to choose.

Misasha discusses the “Coronavirus Aid Package” that the House of Representatives recently passed.
Some cities are stepping up to help the homeless in various ways during this outbreak.
More great ideas from Ellen McGirt:
- Be a good bystander.
- Consider over-tipping.
- Remember those socially isolated by default.
- Understand how COVID-19 interacts with public policy.
- Not everyone is safe in their home. Reach out and assist those if you can.
This affects us ALL, and we need to look out for one another.

Links:

Email: Hello@dearwhitewomen.com