What can you do during this time of disease outbreak that grips nations across the world?

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The current pandemic and the mandated community quarantine may be driving you to the brink of anxiety or maybe plain boredom. Some of us are even frustrated at how things are, and how authorities are handling the situation.

Yet we don’t stop there.

Altruists, those who are used to helping people and being kind, are driven by a deep urge to do something. To make things right. To make this situation lighter especially for those in need. This even sometimes leads to guilt when we feel powerless to do anything.

Considering the circumstances you’re in, what’s in your power that can make a difference in the lives of many?

Here are some ideas for you and me:

1. Take care of your health.

If we are to serve other people, we have to be in the best shape. Be the first to follow what health professionals are asking from the public. Frequently wash your hands. Stay home. Stay 6-feet away from other people. Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Boost your immunity system. How? Sleep properly (some studies recommend 6 to 8 hours of sleep a night). Eat right. Take Vitamin C, D, and other micronutrients.

Also look after your mental health. Take regular breaks. Rest. Fill yourself with good thoughts. Listen to your favorite music. Make time for your hobbies that you can do at home, and pretty much everything else that makes your heart feel lighter.

The World Health Organization has published “Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During COVID-19 Outbreak” that outlines some ways on how we could support everyone’s well-being in these times.

• Facebook: Philippine Mental Health Association, Inc.
• Facebook: National Institute of Mental Health
• Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
• Heathy Recipes to Try at Home
• Health and Fitness Blog: The Food Medic

2. Be there for your community.

Coordinate with your local government for timely information with regards to the local situation. Check what your community needs. Donate what you can, be it time, resources, or energy to do necessary work. Lead fundraising activities or be part of a support group.

Your community is not limited to the people you share the same geographical spaces with. It may be any group you’re part of where you share common values, culture, identity, or interests.

Also remember that we are part of a larger whole. As our country’s supply chain is put at risk during this crisis, be more mindful with your consumption. Be frugal. Avoid hoarding of goods, and being excessive. A lot of people could use some help right now.

• DILG Barangay Officials Directory
• “Coronavirus: food supply chain under strain. What to do?” – Food and Agriculture Organization
• “DA calls for stronger farm to market links amid COVID-19” – Department of Agriculture
• Mental Health Support Group (Facebook): Mental Health Awareness and Support

3. Be a warrior against fake news.

Stay informed and do no more harm. Do not immediately believe information you see online. Always fact-check information shared with you, and only share verified information from credible news sources. Also cite these sources whenever possible. Social media sites such as Facebook now has mechanisms in place for flagging and reporting these fake news and accounts.

For official health information & COVID-19 updates, refer to the platforms of the World Health Oganization and Department of Health.

• WHO Global COVID-19 Tracker
• DOH Official COVID-19 Tracker
• Facebook: DOH Official; Twitter: @DOHgovph
• Viber Group: DOH PH COVID-19
• Twitter: @WHO; @WHOPhilippines
• “How you can fact check claims about the new coronavirus”
• “How to Fact Check Like a Pro: 10 Tips for Fighting Fake News”
• Out of The Box Media Literacy Initiative on Facebook: Out of The Box

4. Do what you can with what you have.

Aside from volunteering opportunities in your city or municipality, there are also available opportunities online. You can start online discussions, and facilitate online information sessions & knowledge sharing starting with your group of friends.

You can also maximize time you have by adding value to youself. Learn something new. Exercise. Read. Immerse in a hobby. Or keep doing good for the world, even through a job that takes up your time as you work from home.

Lastly, spread joy and positivity. The world needs more of it.

• COVID-19 Initiatives: Help From Home
• Global Call to Creatives – United Nations
• Blog: Impact Hub Manila CEO Ces Rondario Shares Tips on How to Efficiently Work From Home
• Free Video Conferencing Tool: Zoom
• Online Courses: Coursera
• Share Your Thoughts Online: Medium
• Online Volunteering Opportunities – United Nations
• UN Volunteers COVID-19 Response

How about you? How are you dealing with the challenges you’re encountering as we battle this pandemic?

Learn about COVID-19 and how we can address it in solidarity. The 2030 Youth Force in the Philippines Inc. will host an online panel discussion, “Championing Global Goals, Uniting Against COVID-19,” in celebration of the World Health Day. April 7, 2020, 7:00 PM PHT via Facebook page: facebook.com/YouthForcePh