Like most of you, I have so many emotions going through my head right now as we navigate the global COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. My thoughts are circling at light-speed, running me through the gamut of anxiety, frustration, levity, sorrow, hope, dread, and, not a scientific term, “the warm fuzzies.”

We are experiencing such a strange, uncertain period in our collective history, and while our fears and safety measures are justified, there’s also a lot of light shining through the cracks in our self-built quarantine walls.

So, while I urge every single one of us to heed caution, listen to advice from the CDC, WHO, and other medical or government agencies, and do our best to “flatten the curve” by social distancing ourselves and our families, I want to illuminate the positives.

When you’re feeling overwhelmed or burdened by uncertainty, hold tight to these truths.

1. This is temporary

If we each do our part, we can slow the spread of this illness. And the more vigilantly and calmly we act, the sooner we can return to “normal” or some newly minted version of it. 

2. Connection is vital

We must self-quarantine and practice social distancing as strictly as possible, but that doesn’t mean we have to lose connection with our loved ones. FaceTime or Skype those cross-country family members. Check in with your neighbors (if only through a screen door). Phone friends regularly or even start that virtual book club you’ve been thinking about. We may be alone, but that doesn’t mean we must be lonely. 

3. It’s ok to continue doing “normal,” or even frivolous, things

I’ve seen a lot of criticism regarding humorous memes or even taking selfies. Author and psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb tackled this same issue in The Atlantic, and I tend to agree with her.

It’s ok to be concerned and make jokes. It’s ok to be scared of the unknown and care about your appearance. If something makes you happy, secure, or less anxious without harming another, then by all means (by all memes?), continue! We have to take care of our physical and mental health right now. 

4. Your local businesses need you now more than ever

In most communities, our restaurants, bars, and other businesses are closed to in-house service, but that doesn’t mean we can’t support them. Order takeout/curbside delivery, buy a few gift cards to use online or at a later date, and ask business owners in other industries how you can help them. We’re talking about people’s livelihoods!

5. Little ears hear

I’ve heard and read some revolting comments since the onslaught of this pandemic. Labeling the coronavirus and COVID-19 as “the Chinese virus” or treating people of Asian American descent as “alien” or “unclean.” We are better than this. Whether we are joking or not, our children hear how we respond to news and how we identify victims of this crisis. Even in uncertain times, we must be kind. We are not fighting an enemy; we are caring for the human race.

6. It’s not just about YOU

I’ll admit—I wasn’t as concerned in the beginning as I should have been. I never did anything reckless, but I am ashamed I was not more cautious and proactive. The thing is, it’s not about protecting myself. It’s about my older, immunocompromised parents. It’s about my friends and family who work in the healthcare industry. It’s about teachers, cashiers, and other professionals who work in the public. Even though I am “low-risk” for severe complications and haven’t traveled or been exposed (to my knowledge) to the coronavirus, it’s my obligation as a good citizen to protect others. What’s inconvenient or annoying to us as individuals may be life-saving to others.

7. It’s imperative to place our trust in the professionals, not the self-identified “experts”

I’m an information junkie, and I’ve been fooled by a piece of false information (because it came from a government health official—yet it was not accurate). So if reputable sources are getting mixed up and accidentally sharing falsehoods, then it’s imperative that we not trust cousin Amy who swears by essential oils or your college roommate’s uncle’s girlfriend who almost graduated from medical school. While we must put faith in our institutions, now is the time to ask ourselves, “where did this information originate?” If the recommendation or advice did not come from the CDC, World Health Organization, your state or municipal health department, or some other trained professional, then don’t trust it.

8. Good things will come of this

Even though I’m finding myself holding my breath unintentionally and occasionally imagine doomsday scenarios in my mind (what a time to be an author of dystopian fiction!), I can’t help but feel good. I’m amazed at, despite some real errors and mishaps in the beginning, how quickly and supportively our governments and citizens are coming together. We still have much to do to stop this pandemic from overwhelming our medical system, but I trust that we will work together. That’s not to say that there won’t be tragedies and sorrow along the way, but every time I see families playing games together, spending time on leisurely walks together, checking in on their neighbors, and acting charitably toward their community members, I can’t help but feel hopeful. Our way of life is changing, and there will be suffering and pain, but some of these changes will be for the better. I just have to believe that.

Things to remember while navigating the anxiety of #COVID19 Share on X

I know it’s a difficult time. It’s a normal human reaction to feel isolated, worried about the financial future, and concerned for loved ones’ health, specifically if they work in healthcare, are elderly or immunocompromised, or don’t have a good support system, but it’s important to care for ourselves and others in the best ways we can.

See you all on the other side of this, friends.