Let’s Check In
Dress || Sandals (similar) || Clutch || Earrings || Bracelet || Watch
Let’s check in with a serious question here. How are you guys doing? Things have gotten very intense all across the country and the reality is that it won’t get better any time soon. It seems like we’re in the middle of a social experiment a la Black Mirror. We are all in uncharted territory. Like everyone else, I have my own opinions on how to prepare for these trying times. Since I’m no where near qualified to share, I’ll keeping the bulk of them to myself. I can’t say what’s best for you and your loved ones, but I have a few thoughts that I think are universal. If you can’t take anymore health talk, you may want to quit reading here, but keep reading for some advice that actually applies 365 days a year.
Take a Deep Breath
Breath in and breath out. I think one of the most upsetting things about COVID-19 is that, as of right now, things are not in our control. The virus itself, I can’t control, but let’s take a moment to think about what I can. I have a moderate supply of food and essentials, being sure to save plenty at the stores for my neighbors. I can control where I go or don’t, which I will get to later. Most importantly, I can control my attitude. I deeply believe this is something to take seriously, but getting paranoid or angry won’t help anyone. Count your blessings, hopefully find a silver lining, and carry on.
Stay Informed with Legit Sources
Social media is such an amazing way to stay in touch, but it is a minefield of misleading or fear mongering content. At the end of the day, the information you should really be concerned about is what’s coming directly from your government officials (local, state, and federal), the Center for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization. For Floridians in particular, you may find the Florida Department of Health website to be helpful. Those click bait pieces are just going to be a distraction from what you truly need to know. Again, take a deep breath and use your best judgement.
Mind Your Hygiene
I am one more voice to remind you the importance of washing your hands and coughing into your sleeve. Strangely, I find it funny how many people consider this a novel idea. I mean, who wasn’t already doing this? But deep down, we all know about the rarity of hand washing. As I was telling my elementary students earlier this week, soap, warm water and 20 seconds is all it takes. If you’re going out, carry a small hand sanitizer and a few antibacterial wipes with you. Save the face masks for the professionals who actually need them for their job, whether in the medical or construction space. Oh yeah, and try not to touch your face!
Strongly Consider Social Distancing
This is where things get tricky. There are a lot of opinions on how to socially distance yourself. Although it’s not convenient and plans may be broken, this could be the critical piece of action. Over the weekend, the Washington Post published a very interesting and visual article that shows how we can ‘flatten the curve’. It greatly slows down the rate of infection and gives our health care system a fighting chance to serve the public. In many cities and states around the country, social distancing is no longer voluntary. With restaurants, museums, and the like closing, it’s a great opportunity to stay home and binge watch your favorite shows. I’ve still been going outside for a morning walk along the bay, but staying at least 6 feet away from my neighbors.
As a writer and blogger, I’ve been trying to make a difficult decision. What content do I share and what tone do I use? I hope to serve as a quick reprieve from this overwhelming trial we are currently in. Please know that when I share style and travel pieces, it’s not coming from a place that is taking this pandemic lightly. Over the next few days (and weeks) I will be publishing lighthearted pieces to give you hope for the future with trip idea and style inspiration. I also want to highlight my favorite local business because they will be needing as much love as they can get. Bear with me and we’ll get through the worst of it soon.
Love from Florida,
Katie
As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.