New name of Fear - COVID-19

Fear is the feeling that has gripped the whole world. And the fear this time is spelled as COVID-19.

MAR 27 6 PM EST

Most of my conversations on phone, email, whatsapp and other means these days are centered around this new name of fear. I remember one thing that a part time Uber driver told me many years ago, “learn more about what you are afraid of and that knowledge will help you manage that fear.”

Last few days: more I spoke with people on COVID-19; more afraid I felt. And a lot of the fear has been due to the unknown around this Pandemic. But wait, Pandemic although we all think is caused by the virus; but in reality, it is not. Don’t discount my view before reading further please.

The virus can cause infection which can cause discomfort and even deaths; and the infection can spread. But, virus is capable and responsible for the infection and spreading it up to 6 feet of the infected. 

However, our habits as humans and our denial in many weeks of the start of the spread caused this to become the Pandemic. So, we humans are responsible to give life and the spread to this virus. We strengthened it by staying in denial and not exercising the needed restraints much earlier on. 

Remember; Virus is a living thing; but still needs a host to live and grow. In absence of a living host, virus dies. So, we could have done our part to stop this from growing into a Pandemic.

Sadly, there were people in bigger seats who termed it as a localized problem for one nation or even a foreign problem just ignoring the fact that virus do not need or care for the visas before travelling across borders. We all tax paying, law abiding citizens globally listened to them and went on with our daily routines to keep economy healthy. Healthy Economy is important to run the world that we live in; but Life itself is an equally important aspect if not more. 

Anyhow, from where I started; this Fear can be easily defeated if we know more about this virus and are committed to stay disciplined on our side of the fight. And then it is easy and can even be fun (Winning is always fun)

Know thy enemy (Novid Corona virus) – 

·         Novid Corona virus impacts upper respiratory system, causing damage to lungs. Can cause critical damage and death

·         It spreads only through bodily fluids (not airborne but if you are with in 6 feet of infected person, the droplets can travel that far easy through air, a sneeze can propel them to travel much farther). It enters our system through nose, mouth, and eyes mainly.

·         It can stay on surfaces from 3 hours to multiple days (depending upon type of surfaces)

·         An infected person can spread it even when they show no symptoms, and then some can carry it to another without showing any symptoms ever

·         Many symptoms are similar to other viral infections so getting confused is natural, but when in doubt, stop interacting with people (even family) and seek help from professional

·         DO NOT OVER FEAR – Just because COVID-19 started other diseases like common cold and flu didn’t stop happening

Know Thy friends (Yourself and your good habits are your best friends)

·         Personal Hygiene – 3 things Wash Hands, Wash hands, Wash hands – And wash them well.

·         Social Distancing – I confess I never heard this term till a few weeks before, but now I know it well. In plain words Stay away from people as much as you can, minimum 6 feet away is the norm. Stay away from unknown people, as you don’t know where they have been and what they have been exposed to. Avoid public places including grocery stores and parks

·         Build Immunity – This should have started way before the epidemic started but never too late, make good choices on food and exercise. Build mental immunity too and do not let the media, social media posts scare or depress you.

·         Love thy home – A lot of people are complaining about staying home, especially when forced by governments with a lock-down mandate; but remember “home is where your heart is” so put your heart really in the home. Do some basic things to start the love with home and family if not started already. We all get so busy with our lives and livelihood and our extended family as in co-workers and friends that at times our in-home interactions are stale and very routine. This is the time to change that. Some ideas here

·               Rediscover Board and card games (I never knew I still liked Sweep and Rummy so much till last night when I played a few hands with my wife, she beats be at this too, but losing to her is fun)

·               Know your family better – talk to your spouse and kids and your 4-legged family members too (4-legged family member is a term I have borrowed from a friend at work)

·            Rekindle an old hobby that you have been ignoring in the past (an indoor hobby in current circumstances)

·             Meditate and stay calm- Deep breathing can have amazing impact on body and nerves

·            Be thankful for technology and stay connected with friends and family and local governments (Don’t overdo on news as they can be depressing)

·            Try some yoga or indoor walking or stationary jogging or family/couple Zumba (again couple Zumba is a borrowed idea from my cousin) or dance, any thing that burns some calories and makes you happy

·         Listen to music, watch movies, read books

·        Office Work if remote working is an option and catch-up on pending items. Do better at work than you usually do while at office (it is doable I have finished some work related write ups that were always pushed to back burner for last many weeks)

Any battle when you know your opponent and when you know your own strengths, just follow through with right Discipline and your Victory is inevitable. To all humanity, we are going to win this and we are going to learn from this and we will survive and thrive and be better when we get to the other end of this battle.

I will leave you with a Song that had been one of my favorite when ever things look difficult and gloomy and it always lifts me up, It is by Londonbeat, It is called "You bring on the Sun" so listen to this if you find it

I'm watching the sun say good morning
Chasing all the shadows away
I stand face to face with tomorrow
Troubles lost in yesterday
Hey well the night seemed to last forever
The darkest hour just before the dawn!!