“When life gets you down, you know what you gotta do? Just keep swimming” ~ Dory
Dory is so wise, isn’t she? I feel a little weird just continuing to blog without talking about the elephant in the room. Let me start this blog post with I AM NOT a doctor, nurse or medical expert. But I am a blogger/influencer who is trying to stay positive and maintain some normalcy. To that end, everything at TanyaFoster.com including all social media will stay on its publication schedule. It’s my full-time job and I can’t simply quit. To help ease some of the tension, I am offering today’s post on 5 coping strategies for difficult times.
I work from home anyway. For me, nothing has really changed. My assistant Laura has her own office so we are always maintaining 6 ft. distance. Pete and I are washing our hands at least 10 times a day. I have wiped down common areas with disinfectant wipes (refrigerator handles, microwave, door handles, remote controls, light switches, the mailbox…) on a daily basis. The way I look at it is this is our new normal.
I will continue to blog about Travel, Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle and partner with brands to get their campaigns done. That is my job and I will continue to do it. I encourage you to do the same. We can’t just fold up into the fetal position and give up. We will survive this and come our stronger! To that end, here are some tips that might be helpful for you. Feel free to share them.
5 coping strategies for difficult times
1. Keep calm! Don’t let the media steal your joy. In fact, if seeing all of these reports stresses you out, I suggest turning off the TV for a bit. Instead, stay informed with reliable sources like the CDC and World Health Organization. Also, be very careful when listening to advice from friends, family and online posts. Anyone who starts a sentence with “They said…” ask them who “they” is. This goes back to getting your information directly from a reliable source.
2. Please don’t be a hoarder. I’ve been to local grocery stores and talked to the managers. They said that things have been crazy and they wished that everyone would calm down. Regular restocking is happening as scheduled and in some cases, nightly after the store closes. My advice – go to the grocery store first thing in the morning. And don’t wait until you are down to one roll of toilet paper to restock. Be sensible. Also, if you have an elderly neighbor, friend or relative, offer to help them. Maybe you could make a grocery run and pick up their prescriptions for them. Remember you can order online with Amazon, Walmart, Target and other major retailers and avoid lines altogether.
3. We are here for the long haul. Strap on your seatbelts! From all reliable reports that I am reading, we haven’t seen the worst of it. In fact, if Italy is any indication, it might take us several months before things return to normal. #SocialDistancing will help flatten the curve of the Covid-19 outbreak and hopefully aid health officials in staying on top of the virus spread. What can you do to help? STAY HOME as much as possible! Wash your hands when you do get out and follow CDC guidelines. Take your vitamins and supplements. NO ONE is immune from the Covid-19 virus. The upside to staying home? Your pets are getting lots of attention!
4. Support the travel industry. Plan for the future. We will travel again and when we do, you will want a reprieve from being on lock down. Every single industry is taking a huge economic hit right now. Maybe you had to cancel spring break or upcoming spring travel so think about where you can go this summer. Major airlines are offering tickets with no change fees. Book now and enjoy later. While you’re at it, check out this blog post on the best self tanners. You can practice during this down time. No need to be pasty, even if you are just at home.
5. Order online and be prepared! A dear friend of mine and blog subscriber is an RN (Kelley R.). She shared an important message on Facebook that read something like this. In addition to doing everything possible to PREVENT the virus, PLAN on getting the Covid-19 virus and surviving it. Things you will need: Tylenol (for fever and body aches), kleenex, whatever cough medicine works for you – Mucinex, Robitussin or DayQuil/NyQuil. Consider getting a humidifier if you don’t have one. It’s a good time to prepare a big batch of your favorite soup and freeze it. You basically want to prepare as though you are going to get a nasty respiratory infection like bronchitis or pneumonia. Get in bed and get some rest! I’ve linked these items below plus a few more great ideas for home items you might enjoy. Also, Friday’s blog post offered these easy home decor updates.
Finally, I want to offer some hope. One of the the ways I cope with difficult times like these is through humor and levity. A little laughter does the heart and soul good. While I absolutely know the Covid-19 virus is critical, I too need a little chuckle to break up the stressful nature of life today. I’m going to post a meme for a little laughter throughout my blog posts. I hope it brings a little smile to your day. See below.
Now, let’s all share by leaving a comment today. How are you doing? What are you doing to strategize and get through this? Let me know if I can say a prayer for you. I truly believe that daily prayers will help us all get through this.
THANK YOU for continuing to read my blog and shop with me. I appreciate your support! xoxo – Tanya
P.S. Pete and I finished binge watching The Outsider this weekend. OMG! I am shooketh! What are you watching?
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Tanya, this was such an important post and your sensibility again shown through! Thank you! I am laughing because i also thought this was good time to so some self tanning. I am catching up the stack of books i have and will pull out my needlepoint that i just can’t seem to finish. My faith is strong and i know all things work for His good. Stay safe!
I’m glad you found this timely. And yes, it’s a great time to practice self-tanning.
Let me know how it goes or which product is your favorite.
Thanks for sharing what you are doing.
Keep safe!
xoxo- Tanya
Great post!
Thank you Teresa. Have a great day!
xoxo- Tanya
Thanks Tonya. You are a good cheerleader.
Happy to be a cheerleader anytime!
xoxo- Tanya
Walking is a great release and will hopefully help me work off some weight. Staying calm on the outside but a little shaky inside so I use an app to meditate each night. It genuinely helps!
YES! Thank you for the reminder. We walk Sparky and Max daily but probably need to get out more often and walk more.
xoxo- Tanya 🙂
Great post with sensible advice. Keep calm and wash your hands!
That’s the best advice I can offer.
YES! Hand washing several times a day is key!
xoxo- Tanya
We’re definitely binge-watching more. We just tried Love is Blind and it so bad and so good! I did get out and walk several dogs for Dallas Animal Services this weekend. It was a great way to get out of the house, get some exercise, keep social distance and interact with some sweet pups looking for their new homes. Being self-quarantined at home is a great time for people to introduce a new pet to their home – either by fostering or adopting.
Betsy-
The animal shelter volunteer work is so special.
THANK YOU for your big heart!
xoxo- Tanya 🙂
Its a shame I can’t have a party right now…my house has never been cleaner!
Thank you, thank you for being so organically realistic! On my list for the next few days is, finish (actually start) gathering my tax stuff together, take online defensive driving, video every room in my home for insurance purposes & take advantage of online meditation & yoga classes! (Can’t wait time see The Outsider, Nick is obsessed w it!)
I’m so glad this blog post resinated with my readers.
Thank you for letting me know.
xoxo- Tanya
Ha!
Mine is too. And my closet it about to get a full clean out.
Tanya
Great post – brought a smile and helpful information – good job!
I’m so happy you found it helpful!
Thanks!
xoxo- Tanya
Thanks, Tanya. I hadn’t thought to order supplies we need in the event we contract the virus. Smart idea. I have many of these things on hand, but not a humidifier or cough medicine. Heading to Amazon now. Please keep your regular programming – and humor – coming.
xo
Update – thanks for the links … humidifier is on the way. And, I bought another Snooz for our guest room (nothing to do with the virus, I just needed it). Now I’m going to stage the medicines I have on hand along with Gingerale and soda crackers. We’re prepared!
Right?!?
I was so glad to find that information from Kelley R. Glad you found it helpful.
OK, regular programming it is.
xoxo- Tanya
Watching a documentary series on Amazon Prime called Rakuen and adding to my travel bucket list. Just discovered New Caledonia!
I admit I didn’t even know where it’s located.♀️
Cher,
Thanks for sharing. I was looking for some new series to start.
I appreciate it!
xoxo- Tanya 🙂
Great blog Tanya,
We just finished watching Heartland a12 season series on Netflix. I read that Kim Cattrall from Sex and the City has a new series on Fox, Filthy Rich. I plan to do a major spring cleaning. Organizing closets and cabinets even the garage.
Stay calm and clean hands for all.
Pat,
So glad you enjoyed it. I appreciate your comment today.
Thanks for the Netflix recommendation.
Wednesday will be my closet clean out day.
xoxo- Tanya
Fortunately I’m in Scottsdale where the weather allows us to be outside more. Exercise for me is key. Golf has been my escape, for 4 hrs I’m outside in fresh air. I do my bar class online, and plan to walk more. I can clean etc when it’s rainy. We don’t have a tv here so I watch shows on my iPad which is a blessing. Don’t need news 24 7 right now.
I’m trying hard not to fixate on the stock market, it’s been brutal.
Thanks for this post we need to support each other.
Thanks for all your information! I know you are following all the rules as all of are. Just worried how to take my gel dip nails off if I can’t get to a shop to get them off when they grow out.