Today, I am writing about mindfulness on the infection prevention of COVID-19. In times of this COVID-19 crisis, it is more adamant that we need to practice mindfulness. It is crucial to be mindful in our thoughts and actions and to consciously build thought seeds that will lead to positive deeds and outcome of this crisis. Mindfulness in our everyday life helps us to be in the moment and to be aware of our surroundings and others.

Mindfulness in Sharing Information

Be vigilant to share only validated news and information.

While some fake information on how to prevent the coronavirus are shared by well-meaning individuals, sometimes it can do more harm than good. Take for example, the viral information that is passing around, informing that gargling with salt and drinking warm water every 15 minutes will help dislodge the virus from our throat and pushes it down to the stomach where our stomach acid will kill it. People who think that this is true will believe that they are safe as long as they drink warm water and gargle with salt. The truth is doing this does not dislodge nor kill the virus.

By spreading what we think are “helpful” but in turn are fake information or news, we are only creating more confused and ignorant people.

When we are careful on how we disseminate information, we ensure only true facts are shared and this will also reduce inundating chats and social medias with viral rubbish.

As I mentioned in my previous blog on the topic of the COVID-19 pandemic, let’s be mindful to only share COVID-19 health information that has been validated by CDC or WHO.

Mindfulness when Sneezing and Coughing

• Always cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or a tissue.
• Throw the used tissue straight into a bin.
• Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer immediately.
• Wash your handkerchief with warm soapy water.
• Sneeze into your inner elbow if you cannot cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or handkerchief.
• Most importantly, do not sneeze or cough into another person’s face or presence and onto open air.

Mindfulness in Our Contact with Others

The COVID-19 transmits easily from human to human within the community, especially between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

It also spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes where these droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Some spread might come from an infected person who is not showing the COVID-19 symptoms.

Apart from that, you may also get infected by touching contaminated surfaces and objects, and then touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth.  A recent study has also shown that the virus is also spread through faeces.

Social distancing/self isolation/lockdown

Think of the health professionals and law enforcement officers who are working tirelessly to curb the pandemic and save life. It is paramount that we be mindful to do our civic duty in social distancing, stay home and self isolation if need be. We must conscientiously work together to stop the spread of the virus and to avoid infection. We need to help reduce the burden on the health workers, volunteers and the health system so that we may return to normality sooner.

• Avoid close contact with people unwell with cold-like symptoms.
• Be careful to stay away from crowds and if for any reason, you need to go out, wear a mask and try to keep at least 6 feet from another person. When you get home, immediately wash yourself very thoroughly as a caution to prevent contaminating your home and protecting your loved ones.
• However hard, please self isolate yourself for the minimum 14 days recommended if you are feeling unwell (especially if you have flu or cold like symptoms) or if you have travelled. If you are showing symptoms of the COVID-19, call the hotline or visit the nearest health authority in your community.
• If the country is in a lockdown, abide by the law and do your duty as a good citizen.

General Daily Mindfulness on the Infection Prevention of COVID-19:

Wash/sanitize your hands correctly. 

• After touching common/public area surfaces and objects.
• Before and after you eat.
• Before and after using the toilet.
• When you return from your outing.
• Before brushing your teeth or washing your face.
• Anytime you feel you should clean your hands, and consciously before touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth.
• Be extra mindful to only turn the tap on to wet your hands and to rinse the soap lather off to cut water wastage.

Check this educating video on how to wash or sanitize your hands thoroughly. 

Keep frequently touched surfaces clean and disinfect where required.

• Clean common areas and surfaces often.
• Use a disinfectant spray or prepare your own bleach solution to disinfect surfaces that are high volume usage such as the door handles, taps, toilet flush handle, bathroom sink, shower, kitchen sink, table tops, etc.
• Try using the back of your hand, elbow or knuckle to turn switches or taps on to reduce the risk of contamination on surfaces.

For some great tips on how to disinfect your home, check out this video.

Note: Never use vinegar and bleach or ammonia together or right after each other because it creates a toxic gas.

Don’t touch your face, eyes, nose and mouth.

If you watch the videos that are going  around the world where leaders are advising and talking about COVID-19, you will notice some are mindlessly licking their finger to flip their speech pages.

I cannot stress enough that our hands are the most likely channel of passing on germs and viruses. So be very aware of what you do with your hands. Be conscious about how your hands are behaving. Train yourself not to touch public surfaces such as railings or walls as you walk. Now more than ever as we move towards being mindful on the infection prevention of COVID-19, make better effort in kicking the habit of touching any parts on your face.

Boost your immune system.

• Get adequate sleep. Sleep allows your body to recover and rejuvenate, to grow muscle, repair tissue, and synthesize hormones.
• Eat healthy to build up your immune system. Have plenty of vegetable and fruits and a balance diet.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water every day is important for many reasons. It helps to regulate body temperature, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, lubricates joints,  removes waste and supports organs functionality properly. Being well-hydrated also improves sleep quality, cognition, and mood.

Keep fit.

At the point of writing this, many countries have started some sequence of lockdown and social distancing. I come across many “I am bored” posts in social medias and my messages are all bogged with “boredom” insanity texts. So if we can’t go for walks or run about, how do we keep fit in mind, body and soul?

If you are on lockdown, self isolation or staying home:

• Use some “me” time to read a book, paint, write or do something that you meant to do but never found the time for.
• Spend quality moments with your family who are at home with you. Play board or card games. Find things to do together. Talk to each other. It’s great family bonding.
• Expel some energy within the house. I run or walk up and down my stairs 20 times. I do my sun salutations every morning and evening. I work on my garden and enjoy the fruits of my labour. How about you?
• Try online exercises. You will find plenty on You Tube.
• Connect via video chats with your friends and family who are not with you. Bring chats alive, sing, dance and exercise with each other online.
• Cook. Many of my family and friends are actually trying out new recipes and the best part is the household gets to cook and enjoy the food together.

I could go on endlessly with this list. Lockdown and staying home on our part to help curb this pandemic is simple and gratifying when we focus and appreciate the positive things we can now do and enjoy, thanks to this pandemic crisis. What will you choose to do? How will you exercise your mindfulness on the infection prevention of the COVID-19?

Dramatic situations require creative dramatic actions.