THE TWILIGHT ZONE
The Coronavirus had no immediate effect on America if it remained in China. Then the unthinkable happened. The Coronavirus found its way to Europe and oops it slipped into the United States. Then all hell broke loose. We were not prepared! Hospital emergency rooms have been pushed beyond capacity.
You and I were advised not to go to work and to stay inside our homes. We were only allowed to leave home if you were an essential worker or to shop for essential goods: that meant food, gas, and toilet paper lots, and lots of toilet paper. For the first time, March Madness was real. The country became a ghost town. Rod Sterling would have said; we have entered the Twilight Zone.
HISTORICAL NUMBERS
The year 2020 will be one of the most challenging years in history. No, I am not referring to the social unrest or the political circus. The Coronavirus, better known as COVID-19, has decimated the country. To date, the CDC has reported more than 5,000,000 people have contracted the virus, and there have been more than 170,000 deaths. COVID-19 now has been tagged as the worst pandemic since the 1917- 1918 influenza known as the Spanish flu. The CDC estimates there were only 79,400 deaths between 1917-1918.
THE ECONOMY FLAT LINED
Wall Street and Main Street plummeted after 20.6 million Americans lost their jobs between mid-March and April. The U.S. jobs report concluded the unemployment rate of 14.6% is at its highest since the Great Depression. I hate to be a statistic; however, I am one of those affected citizens. COVID-19 has rocked the health club and fitness industry. I empathize with everyone sitting on the sideline without a job. You must have faith; things will get better.
WE WERE STIMULATED!
Thank you, Uncle Sam! Is it ok to say, Uncle Sam? The Federal Government started sending money to Americans who were out of work.
The Feds also granted temporary protection for renters and homeowners from eviction. The government stimulus package re-energized the economy! The pharmacies and grocery stores had a line a mile long, and Home Depot became the adult playground for the Fixer-uppers.
LET US OUT!!!!
The stimulus, being shut-in, and boredom created a fitness craze. People started buying fitness equipment and start working out walking, running, and lifting, etc. People who had not worked out since Bill Clinton was in broke president out their shorts. There was nothing to buy online or in local sporting goods stores, weights, bands, and jump ropes vanished.
Even my favorite spring hangout, the local bike shop, was infested with novice cyclists with their kids! Can you imagine a kid on a bike in 2020? It is like seeing a unicorn!
AN OBSERVATION NOT A RANT
This blog is not a rant. I find it encouraging that Americans are choosing to take care of themselves no matter what the unfortunate circumstance. COVID-19 has created very uncertain health and economic time. Whatever you can do to make yourself feel better, decrease stress, and improve your health do it.
DROPPING WISDOM!
Stay Positive
Charles Dickens said in the Tale of Two Cities, “It was the best of times, and it was the worst of times.” So right in the age of COVID-19.
FalseEvidenceAppearing Real
Fear is a normal function of life. Fear is an alarm that protects you and should not disable you. We must learn to control our feelings.
Helping others is the best way to bring joy to your life. Take time to teach, encourage, and share yourself with others. You will get as much as you give.
Get off your butt and move!
Heidi Godman, an Executive Editor of the Harvard Health letter research, has proved that physical activity enhances positive mood and brain function.
Believe the Science
Dr. Anthony Fauci;” wear a mask, wash your hands, and practice social distancing”.
CONCLUSION
As a health and self-development coach, I chose to be on the front line of supporting you through difficult times. Tough times will happen; the key is how you manage them. Stay optimistic there will be a cure for the Coronavirus. Do your best to fight the good fight, believe in yourself, and keep moving.
