Living Through This Pandemic E-Book

Tom Garz

• Herausgeber: TG Ideas LLC
• Kategorie: Ratgeber
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2021

Beschreibung

The Coronavirus (CV) Pandemic has affected all of us, in some way or another.  Some of us have been diagnosed with Covid-19 and have survived.  Some still have lingering symptoms.  You might be what is currently called a Covid "Long-Hauler".  Some have not survived.  All of us, however, have been impacted psychologically and emotionally, even if we never were affected physically.  If not dealt with, the Stress we now feel these days might develop into lingering Covid Mental Health Issues and/or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

At the time of this writing, we are almost a year into this Pandemic.  We are receiving conflicting information on the Pandemic, Politics, the Economy, and many other aspects of our daily living.  All this is overwhelming, at least for me.  Maybe for you too.

Time will tell how this pandemic will linger on in our lives physically, mentally, and maybe even spiritually as the days, weeks, months, and years go on.  This book might at least give you some ideas and/or resources for now and in the future, if needed.

This book is probably not for those who are thriving in the current situations we are all in at this time.  This book is more for those who are slogging through each day, just like me - learning to live "Just for Today".
 

Leseprobe

Living Through This Pandemic: "Just for Today"

Tom Garz

Published by TG Ideas LLC, 2021.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

LIVING THROUGH THIS PANDEMIC: "JUST FOR TODAY"

First edition. January 8, 2021.

Copyright © 2021 Tom Garz.

Written by Tom Garz.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Disclaimers

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Chapter 2 – Where We Are Today

Chapter 3 – “Just For Today”

Chapter 4 – If Nothing Else, Let’s Keep Our Immune System Happy and Healthy

Chapter 5 – So, How Can We Help Ourselves and Help Each Other?

Chapter 6 – Conclusion

Epilogue and Attributions

Appendix - Chapter References, Search Strings, Other Useful Information

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Also By Tom Garz

About the Author

About the Publisher

Disclaimers 

This book is for information only and is not advice of any kind, especially not Medical and/or Legal Advice.  The author of this book is a Non-Professional.  Seek professional advice, as needed.  This book is meant to help, but using this information is at your own risk.  The author of this book has made efforts to make sure the referenced information is/was correct when the book was published.  Efforts were also made to avoid plagiarism in this book by the writer.  Any reference to any specific product or service is for information or example only and does not constitute or imply any endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by TG Ideas LLC.  TG Ideas LLC does not assume any liability to anyone and hereby disclaims any loss, damage, disruption from any errors, omissions, perceived or actual unintentional plagiarism, whether such are caused by negligence, accident, or any other means.  Additional Disclaimers are at https://sites.google.com/site/tgideas/ideas-for-products-or-services/disclaimer

Summary - I’m not a Healthcare Professional.  I wrote this book based on my personal learnings/experience and the References at the end of this Book.  This book is for your information only and is not medical advice. 

********************

Chapter 1 - Introduction

The Coronavirus (CV) Pandemic has affected all of us, in some way or another.  Some of us have been diagnosed with Covid-19 and have survived.  Some still have lingering symptoms.  You might be what is currently called a Covid “Long-Hauler”.  Some have not survived.  All of us, however, have been impacted psychologically and emotionally, even if we never were affected physically.  If not dealt with, the Stress we now feel these days might develop into lingering Covid Mental Health Issues and/or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

At the time of this writing, we are almost a year into this Pandemic.  We are receiving conflicting information on the Pandemic, Politics, the Economy, and many other aspects of our daily living.  All this is overwhelming, at least for me.  Maybe for you too.

Time will tell how this pandemic will linger on in our lives physically, mentally, and maybe even spiritually as the days, weeks, months, and years go on.  This book might at least give you some ideas and/or resources for now and in the future, if needed. 

********************

This book is probablynot for those who are thriving in the current situations we are all in at this time.  This book is more for...

those who are slogging through each day;

those who are out of work and are out of money;

those who have given up hope;

those who are sick and tired of all that’s going on;

those who are worn out by following Covid Guidelines, yet continue to do so just because;

those who are wondering if this is ever going to end;

those who are running out of coping mechanisms;

those who are beleaguered and feel beaten up by the conflicting information;

those who just don’t know what to do next;

those who feel like they’re being tossed about on the ocean of life with no anchor, no sign of shore, and are in a leaky life-boat;

those who feel like their physical and mental health is going downhill as a result of what’s going on or not going on;

those who just want to fling off their facemasks and jump into the “Covid Mosh Pit” of life – just like how some others are doing;

People who might just be like me.

A while back, I was so confused, looking for someone who could put all this “stuff going on” into perspective.  I wrote my doctor this message...

“Hi Dr. ____ - Am I making too big a deal of this coronavirus thing?  Yes, we do follow the guidelines, yet many others don't.  Dr. Fauci says one thing and others beat him down.  The CDC has guidelines and those folks too are beaten down.  Now, I'm getting the feeling that I/we stand out as the few who are following guidelines.  Added to that, no one seems to care much about the psychological/emotional stuff around this current situation.  The stock market seems to be thriving, yet so many people are out of work and stores/companies are closing.  I wrote a book on CV to help others cope and not much interest.  I wonder if all this is real, Dr. ____.  Is it?  I trust you.  If you want to chat in person via phone or picnic table or e-visit or not at all, please let me know.  Do others think as I do? ...  Or am I the only one with thoughts like this?  What's going on?  Can you give me some perspective on all this?  How can I help myself and others, too?  Ideas?  Thanks”

Essentially, my Doctor replied that these are indeed weird times.  Yes, we do have a real virus, he said.  He assured me I am not alone and that many others share my concerns.  Ending, he said to soldier on with my good work and don’t lose heart.

I wrote back – “Thanks Dr. ____ - Your words bring me great comfort and a tear to my eye.  I printed out your message to refer to when I lose perspective again.  Best wishes to you, ____ (nurse), and all of you/us.  Yes, I'll keep doing what I do.  I'll see you in September for my annual.  No body parts fell off so far, so all's good I guess.  Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

For me, I’m going by what my doctor says.  I trust him.  I don’t need to listen to the news or politics to guide me in my Health Decisions, since I have someone whom I can trust for good unbiased health information.

So here I am writing this book for people who might be like me - Confused, yet willing to keep going “just for today”.

I was looking for some life parallels in writing this book and I discovered how many “Recovery Slogans” everyday people, even healthcare workers, were using.  For example, how often have you heard people saying, “We’re just taking it a day at a time”?  Another I have heard is “This too shall pass”.  Those in Twelve-step programs, e.g. Alcoholics Anonymous, often use Recovery Slogans.  Might we all be in a “Recovery” of sorts?

In my own life, I have found the Inspirational Essay Just for Today, I Will Try to Live Through This Day Only very helpful.  The concept of living “just for today” is not new at all.  This concept weaves in and out of history starting in the 1800s with songs, hymns, poems, essays, etc.  I found it personally interesting that a “Just for Today” Hymn was written long ago by Eben E. Rexford who lived in Wisconsin near where I live today.

As a “Quick Start Guide” on how to live through our current situations in life “Just for Today”, here are some resources...

Dear Abby: In 2020, here’s how to shed old habits, if only for a day

and

Just For Today by Saint John XXIII (Author), Bimba Landmann (Illustrator)

,

and

Just For Today - Al-Anon

(PDF).

One Day At A Time Sayings and Quotes

;

This too shall pass

;

Serenity Prayer

;

Acceptance Card - AA Alcoholics Anonymous - Johnstown, PA

This book greatly expands on how to live through our current situations in life “Just for Today” – The title of this book.

Jump to this Chapters References or otherwise keep reading to go to the next chapter.

Chapter 2 – Where We Are Today

Where we are today is that we’re in a mess, or so it seems to me, maybe to you, too.  Let’s break this mess down.

The Pandemic, Political Turmoil, and the Economy are interrelated right now.  This is not new.  We’ve had this chaos during other Pandemics.  (See “NOT THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY” in this Chapter’s References)  Some recurring themes in Pandemics are below...

Everyone has an opinion on what to do or not do.  There is conflicting information;

Medical Experts prepare Coronavirus Guidelines for us.  Some people adhere to these Guidelines and some don’t;

Frequently, most of the public does well initially with Guidelines but as the Pandemic wears on, adherence becomes lax;

Cures and Remedies abound – some are medically sound, others are downright dangerous;

Some are more concerned with the money/financial/economic aspects of the Pandemic.  Some are all for full protection of the Citizens perhaps at the expense of the Economy.  People try to straddle the middle ground until a Pandemic Flare-Up occurs.  There is little agreement on what is best for the Country and/or the World;

Research on Cures/Vaccines usually depends on the level of interest and the amount of money available for research/testing/etc.  Frequently, the motive is more for profit than for humanitarian reasons;

Average citizens are at the mercy of the Politicians, Medical Experts, Drug Manufacturers, etc.  Amongst the Leaders, there are often mixed motives and not a unified effort;

Physical, Psychological, and Emotional Symptoms abound in this fertile unhealthy ground, e.g. stomach distress, depression, headaches, fatigue, stress exacerbating existing conditions, etc.;

All this leads average citizens to overwhelming stress, grief, angst, depression, and a loss of hope.  There seems to be little relief – it just goes on day after day. 

This book is meant to give hope “Just for Today”.

  ☺

Out of this mess, let’s pick out something we can do something about – our own health and our own attitudes.

You’ve probably read lots about the Coronavirus (CV) and the current related Pandemic related to Physical Health.  This chapter covers what this mess is doing to our Mental Health.

Whether you have been diagnosed with Coronavirus or not, you have been infected by “Coronavirus on Your Mind”.  Think about it right now.  Most of everything you want to do you can’t do due to CV. 

Here are some examples of how CV is affecting our everyday lives adversely and we can’t do much about it at all, right now.

We can’t come near the people we want to be with;

People are getting sick and sometimes dying all around us;

Many of us can’t go to work, have to adapt to working at home, or have no more job to go to;

The world economy seems to be deteriorating and our savings are diminishing;

People are doing what they don’t want to do, not trained for, not equipped with, etc.;

We can’t get what we want or need in the stores;

Some Leaders have to make Decisions involving the Balance between Economy and Saving Lives.  These decisions are not only business decisions but they are also moral decisions;

As a business owner, you might be worried sick how you will survive with fewer customers due to social distancing guidelines, less production due to worker distancing, possibly new OSHA rules, slowing down assembly lines, raw material shortages, more safety training, liability aspects, etc.;

You might feel like you were “hit and run” and/or were suddenly robbed.  What happened?  It was so quick.  What do I do now?

Front line Healthcare Workers are putting their Emotions on Hold and more or less are having to “function as machines” to handle the influx of new patients;

Primary Care Providers might be seeing an influx of patients with Chronic Conditions.  Stress can cause/aggravate Chronic Conditions, e.g. Asthma, Irritable Bowel, Pain, etc.  These comorbid conditions might be fertile ground for the Coronavirus to sprout, if the conditions/stress are not managed properly;

Patients are being encouraged to use E-Visits, but this might be hard for some people – plus the Doctor just cannot do a “Hands-On” Examination over the phone and/or virtually;

As Businesses and Schools start Opening Up - You’re frustrated because you are following Guidelines and maybe others are not (masks, social distancing, hand washing, etc.)

You’re a Healthcare Worker and are scared to death that you will be deluged with patients;

You’re a Parent/Caregiver and you’re scared that your loved one(s) will get sick due to the action/inaction of others;

You’re a worker, now back at work, and you’re scared that you’ll be out of work again due to the action/inaction of customers, co-workers, etc.

You live with/care for a Person who is susceptible to CV and you both are scared to death;

Whether you like it or not you are in some Wave of this Pandemic, as illustrated in the “Health Footprint of Pandemic” Graph in this article -

Nursing and Post Pandemic Health Challenges

.  Along with the Physical Aspects of CV, you might be experiencing the Fourth Wave in the graph....

Psychic Trauma;

Mental Illness;

Economic Injury;

Burnout;

In addition, a whole bunch more psychological/emotional aspects of this pandemic we have yet to discover as a society.

You might feel like you’re walking on thin ice, checking the safety as you go, staying away from people who even look like they’re sick, fearing you’re exposing yourself to danger if you venture out in the world;

You’re an Essential Worker and yet you have a whole “bucket load” of feelings going to work;

Yikes, public restrooms are closed!  What’s with that?  Argh!:

You’re working from home and you just don’t like it.  It’s too hard.  You’re afraid working from home might be the New Normal;

You’re working from home and you do like it.  It’s great.  You’re afraid, sad, depressed thinking about going back to work the way it was;

You might be falling more, making more mistakes, having accidents, “in a fog”, etc. thinking and hearing about CV;

Your Chronic Health Conditions might be more troublesome these days, worrying about CV, e.g. pain, stomach troubles, etc.  Also, you seem to be catching more colds, infections are slow to heal, and/or you feel tired most of the time;

You’re frustrated because you can’t...

Go where you want to go;

Do what you want to do;

Get what you want to get.

You might be grieving over what was lost and what might be lost in the future.  What happened to my nice life?  Now it is gone and might not ever be the same again.  You feel like “the rug has just been pulled out from underneath you” and there is no way out of this;

You might be starting to think this is a hopeless situation, that there is no end in sight, and we’ll have to live like this all the rest of our lives;

You might just want to give up (please don’t, though);

You find yourself thinking of germs all the time now on anything and everyone – and it’s getting worse. 

If you become

Hypervigilant

,

Obsessive-Compulsive

, and/or

Germaphobic

, please try to calm down and “get a grip”.  If unable to do so, please seek Professional Help.  This is important.

There is indeed a balance between CV Preventative Activities, e.g. hand washing, and Creating Undue Internal Stress.  Let’s face it.  There are germs everywhere.  There’s only so much we can do without creating another problem, like

Neurosis

, or some other Mental Illness. 

Follow Local CV Prevention Guidelines, Relax, and Hope for the Best.  By doing so, your Immune System will thank you.

You might be micromanaging life, those you live with, your employees, etc.;

If you are an older person, have CV prone conditions, etc. – Are you “worried sick” you might get Coronavirus?;

Do you live/care for someone who is susceptible to the Coronavirus?  Are you on “pins and needles” worrying, protecting, cleaning, hovering, etc. - for fear of something worse happening;

You’re at the breaking point and just can’t handle anything else;

“Essential Workers”, e.g. Hospitals, Grocery Stores, Gas Stations, etc. might feel anxious and/or guilty about continuous exposure and the risk to themselves and/or their families;

Yes, we have working Covid Vaccines now, but what will life be like after this Pandemic?  It probably won’t be the same.  What will be the New Normal?  How will I survive?;

If you are working, you might be working harder and longer, due to lack of workers or due to increased load;

You might be worried about whether your job will be there when you get back.  If so how will my job change as a result of this?;

We have to wear these stupid face masks and wash our hands more;

Our kids are at home, not in school, are bored, and it’s really affecting me.  Furthermore, I can’t get to work to pay the bills;

You may have had CV and/or Influenza and are scared stiff you will get sick again.  You know you’re Immune System is already weakened by your recent bout with CV, Influenza, or even the Common Cold;

You’re worried about the new Covid Vaccines in one way or another;

We can’t do our favorite activities.  We’re bored.  We used to have a good routine.  We’re stuck at home and every day is the same, like the movie

Groundhog Day

;

Maybe the greatest frustration of all is that other people aren’t doing what they’re supposed to be doing – following CV Guidelines – yet we hear conflicting opinions on the Guidelines!  We don’t know what to do!

Most everyone is freaking out about something related to the current situations.  Patience wears thin.  It begins to look like there is no hope.  Yuck!

Enough about that!

We have a Mega-Problem.  Now, what are we going to do about it?

Let’s get back to something we can do something about – our health.  Above all the problems of the world is the condition of our own health.  When we don’t have good health, this becomes the major problem above all else.

First, please look at what all this Stress is doing to our Immune Systems.  It’s well known that periods of intense and/or prolonged Negative Stress causes and/or aggravates Symptoms/Illnesses.  There are a few “Stress vs. Health” References at the end of this book to illustrate this relationship – and there are many more!

Anyhow, moving forward, let’s now look at what blocks and/or fixes the Coronavirus in our bodies.  It’s our Immune System. 

Hand washing, social distancing, etc. all relate to blocking the CV from entering our bodies (external efforts);

Our Immune System works to protect us Internally.  The

Covid Vaccine

trains our internal Immune System to detect and fight the CV pathogen.

So now, you see that our Immune System does the work on the “Inside Out”, after all.  We can help by following CV Precaution Guidelines and be Vaccinated when it becomes available for us.  This is something we can do to help ourselves get better and stay better.

What more could we do?  Let’s work on both the “Outside In” and the “Inside Out”.  We’ve already talked about the Outside-In Stuff, so let’s move on to what we can do from the Inside-Out.  What we can do is Manage Stress and more importantly Manage the Stressors!

You’ve probably heard lots about Managing Stress, e.g. Meditation, Deep Breathing, Exercise, Prayer, Nature, etc.  The above, and more, provides temporary respite.  When we’re done respiting, we’re still back in the same situation, which we can’t do much about.  Nothing has changed, but we’re calmer, which the Immune System likes.  ☺

How do we stay calm long term?  This amounts to Managing our Stressors, e.g. environment, chemical stressors, social stressors, and just plain Stress.  Stressors are different for each person.  Some things do not bother some people, whereas other people are stressed out to one degree or another.

You might have lots of time now, so why not figure out what your Stressors are.  Keep a log of your day, week, and maybe longer.  See what bugs you; what worries you; what you cannot stand, etc.  Your emotions will guide you in this.  Years ago, we were often told not to show emotions.  Well, that might be good in some situations, but long term it just creates more stress, like a pressure cooker ready to pop.