The global coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has inspired a wide range of reactions.
- Some seem quite unconcerned, not wearing a face mask in public but at least practicing good hygiene
- Some take moderate precautions – wearing a mask in public, washing hands more frequently, carrying a small bottle of hand sanitizer, avoiding physical contact such as shaking hands with others
- Some take massive action – enhancing the filtering capability of their mask, completely avoiding public spaces, carrying large bottles of hand sanitizer
I actually fall in the middle group, though I wear a mask in public primarily as a courtesy for those in the last group. However, as a side note, my area of Korea has had the lowest rate of infection in the country, partially due to the prevalence of this “massive action” group here.
These responses have brought sudden and big changes to how we operate on a day to day basis. Navigating the evolving and complex environment can be challenging, even more so if you consider yourself as an influential person. I know that my attitude and my reactions have an affect on the people around me, in particular the other faculty, who find themselves in the same position I’m in.
I am careful – most of the time! – to keep a positive and helpful attitude. This is the greatest way I can help my students and colleagues through this trying time. However, being a morning person, my current challenge is to maintain that positive attitude through the afternoon, which is when most of my interpersonal contact happens.
I have come to recognize a greater need for self care throughout the day in order to maintain my positivity. What do you do to keep yourself charged up throughout the day?
