Sigh…Corona

There’s not really much purpose to this post, other than the fact that I needed to get my thoughts down. It’s been a difficult and scary time for everyone amidst the Corona-virus outbreak and at the moment, I feel like I’m in a film that I’m not particularly enjoying. Everything just seems highly surreal. 

Last week, I was upset that the marathon I had trained for months for, had been postponed. This week, I feel that there are bigger things to be concerned about. Although I’m still gutted about the marathon, I think the word I’m looking for is…perspective. When people’s lives are in danger, a marathon becomes less important.

It seems like things have escalated pretty quickly this week, with the UK government announcing the closure of schools, pubs, bars, leisure centres and restaurants, as well as enforcing social distancing and self isolation measures, encouraging people who can to work from home where possible.

The mood has changed pretty drastically as well. It feels like people around me have gone from having a laugh and a joke about the Corona-virus, to realising the severity of the situation and actually being scared of the potentially deadly virus, as well as the effects on the economy and the people close to them.

As someone who suffers with health anxiety, I’m personally finding it stressful to deal with. For me, it’s the unknown which is triggering my anxiety. I don’t know if I will catch this virus, if my family or friends will, and if so how bad it will be.

It’s also unclear how long we will be in the social distancing situation, with the next phase being complete lockdown, where we will be unable to leave the house.

As I live alone, I’m worried I will find this mentally tough being alone all day and night. It’s also worrying that I don’t know when I’ll see family and friends again. Although, I’m incredibly thankful and grateful that I am able to work from home (I know some people are not so fortunate) and that we have technology to check in and stay in touch. 

I’m also thankful that I can still go out for a run at the moment, running has helped me through many tough times in the past and it’s the only thing keeping me sane. It feels like a slight bit of normality amidst the chaos. 

 If there are any positives to take from this situation it is these.

I hope that when this is over, society becomes a better place. People learn to appreciate the small things, such as being able to go outside and feel the sunshine on their face and appreciate a pretty sky. To be able to socialise with friends and be close with each other. I hope that people learn to be grateful for their health and make a conscious effort to look after themselves by exercising and eating well.  I know many people who have started running or quit smoking as a result of this pandemic and, this can only be a good thing.

I hope people continue to pull together and support each other. While there have been many selfish acts that have emerged as a result of the outbreak, such as panic buying, I have witnessed so much kindness, amazing community spirit and support groups set up to help those in need. 

In the meantime, all we can do is stay positive, support each other and follow the government advice. Personally, I’m going to make the most of this “extra” time and use it to slow myself down. To catch up with my blog, read, practice yoga and meditation, run (where I can), get back into cooking and look after my mental and physical health.

I know not everyone is as lucky – I am in awe and incredibly grateful for those who work for the nhs, care workers, retail workers and those on the front line keeping society going at this difficult time. 

Stay safe everyone x