By: Zelenka Boyd
Social distancing.. In home activities and homeschool.. Crowded stores filled with people hoarding toiletries and cleaning supplies.. Quarantine.. All of this has been the reality for so many of us for over a week now, but unfortunately millions of people across America who work in healthcare, grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants and law enforcement fields didn’t get the option to stay home. I would love it if there was a way that we could dispatch (911) from home but we can’t. Working with the public increases the chances of us contracting COVID tremendously, but it’s part of who we are and what we stand for, and protecting and serving is what we do. I would have loved to stay home with my littles but ...DUTY CALLS. Fortunately there are measures that all of us who work what’s called “essential jobs”, can do to at least cure the blues of the entire situation. Proper Childcare One very important measure is making sure that your kid/s are in great hands while you’re at work. Whether you’re married, or single, no one wants to worry about the safety of their child(ren) throughout the day while they’re away. This is why having stable people, and reliable “back up sitters” in place is imperative (if possible). Social distancing Although some are probably complaining and going a bit stir crazy by now, it actual is a blessing to be able to stay home with your kids during this time. A lot of us who are still having to work daily are wishing for some of those days at home. Giving your kids that quality time, and reassurance during such a confusing period, eases the situation a bit. Immediate showers Every single day, once I get home before hugging my kids or even simply touching my kids, I head to the shower. There is no need to spread the germs that you have picked up from the outside world. Self Care Working in law enforcement during a time like this makes the job and the stress amplified times 100, having to deal with the public and their concern and then having to be cautious myself gets to you after a while. If there is any time that there was a need for self care, it would be now...the only thing is that the self care that requires being in the public is restricted right now. This is why alternative, indoor self care is so essential. Public service, healthcare, and any other worker who is
still braving the unknown during this time should have some form of self care to help their mind and body relax, and prepare for the next day.
Prayer and meditation
At the end of the day, above all, prayer and meditation is by far the most important thing on the list. Having your mind and heart clear prepares you to tackle the day.
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