An Update on Coronavirus From NFTY President Maya Levy
When all you do is look at your phone and scroll through the news updates, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the fear and panic that is gripping the world around COVID-19 AKA coronavirus.
It can feel scary at times, and it’s frustrating to feel helpless, so take a deep breath, wash your hands, and try doing these six things:
1. Prioritize your wellness.
Allow your wellbeing to become a personal priority. Get a good night’s sleep; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; eat healthy; don’t share food or drinks; up your Vitamin C intake; and (this should go without saying) wash your hands! Frequently washing your hands with antibacterial soap for 20 seconds is right now, the most effective way to stop the spread of coronavirus.
2. Do something that makes you smile.
Sit on your bedroom floor while playing your guitar, bake a cake, paint, watch old NFTY videos, exercise (science has proven that this lowers stress levels and increases happiness). Watch some comedy, tell a joke, laugh with friends. Personally, I will be watching Parks and Recreation for the third time this year.
3. Stay focused on the big picture.
Continue to live your life as normally as possible. Focus on school, hobbies, and friendships, but maybe think twice before sharing your food, and definitely stay home if you’re not feeling well. Understand that if activities or events are canceled, it is for the safety of you and your community.
4. Don’t indulge in pandemic dystopian movies and books.
Most pandemic dystopia entertainment begins with how the world looks normally, and then everything spirals out of control. Those are created to scare us, and that’s what makes them entertaining. Ultimately, they aren’t based on reality and might increase any sense of panic and paranoia that you’re feeling right now. Reread Harry Potter (or read it for the first time if for some reason you haven’t yet) instead.
5. Seek and give support.
Find someone who you feel comfortable opening up to and talk about how you’re feeling. Check on your friends and family to see if they could use some support. We’re all in this together (sorry- cheesy!), and a little kindness goes a long way.
6. Come to NFTY!
It may look a bit different, but if NFTY is something that makes you happy, you deserve to be happy! We are still hoping to hold as many in-person events as we can. Virtual gatherings are not the same (by any means), but what is special about NFTY is that we create magic in whatever space we inhabit. A Zoom room is no different. Don’t disconnect yourself from your friends and your community just because you might not be able to be together in person. Give yourself the joy and comfort of your NFTY community. Make sure you’re following NFTY on Facebook for updates on virtual hang-outs and more.
Your health and safety is our top priority, and is at the heart of every decision we make for NFTY. These decisions are not easy and are never perfect, but we are committed to doing our best. As more information surfaces about coronavirus (COVID-19), we are continuously evaluating what this means for our community and how to ensure that everyone stays healthy and safe.
Don’t forget, I am here if you need anything! Never hesitate to reach out me at NFTYpres@urj.org.