The world is on fire—at least that’s how it feels. Concern over the coronavirus (along with overwhelming, 24-hour media coverage) has resulted in long lines at grocery stores, empty shelves, and general feeling of “what’s next?” Here are 7 things you can start doing now to remain healthy and to help others.
1. Wash your hands. The best way to prevent getting and spreading this virus is to wash your hands. Oh, and don’t touch your face. Simple and effective. Don’t forget to use those Clorox wipes (when you can find them in stores) and clean off your phone. It has a ton of germs on it.
2. Social distancing. Keep yourself away from others—at least 6 feet if you’re in public—and say no to attending large events where there’s potential for exposure. Don’t become a hermit; just be smart. Help end this pandemic by keeping your distance.
3. Order food to-go and tip well. When you get take-out, be sure to tip more than normal. Your servers need the income as they are hurting like everyone else. Order food to-go or delivery and eat at home. You can still support the local businesses and eat a meal you didn’t have to cook yourself.
4. Buy gift cards. Buy gift cards from your favorite local stores and restaurants so those small business owners continue to have income. When the pandemic ends, you can go cash in those gift cards.
5. Look out for neighbors. While some people have the opportunity to work from home, others may be left without work or paychecks due to coronavirus measures—especially in light of school closures and lack of childcare options. Be on the lookout for your neighbors and see if you can help provide groceries.
6. Spring cleaning. Some of you may find that with cancellations and social distancing, your schedule is a little freed up. Don’t just Netflix and chill all day. (The Netflix release of Outbreak last week was an ironic timing.) Use this time to be productive. Take the next week or two and spring clean your house. I’m talking a couple of hours a day after work—you don’t have to miss your favorite rerun of The Office to do it. Tackle one room a day. It’s a great time to get your office organized as well. Get rid of clutter, make digital copies of what you can, and get rid of paperwork. You’ll feel accomplished and able to focus better on work.
7. It’s all going to be okay. You can’t fix it, stressing won’t help, and over-buying toilet paper is not the answer. Try to go about life as normally as you can while taking precautions along the way. Life will go back to normal—or a new normal. You can do this without stressing out to the max. Just focus on these 7 steps and continue on.
By Jef Conn: Jef Conn, CCIM, SIOR, is a commercial agent specializing in industrial, office, and investment properties with Coldwell Banker Commercial in Lubbock, Texas.