Social distancing, or flattening the curve - what is it and how do I do it?
You may have heard of flattening the curve, or social distancing but what does that mean?
The NRL season is postponed until further notice, the Christchurch Mosque memorial cancelled, and any gathering of more that 500 has been cancelled around New Zealand. Beloved celebrities Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were also recently diagnosed. Some borders have closed and in hard-hit countries like China and Italy, daily life has not just been disrupted—it's fully at a standstill.
No matter where you live, when you turn on the news or scan the local headlines you're going to learn about cases of COVOD-19 in your area, canceled events and closures—it's stressful, but health experts say this is actually a good thing. As much as it sucks to hear that concerts and sporting events and any event over 500 is cancelled, this is so important. And it will make COVID-19 less scary in the long run.
Here's a great explanation we found from vox.com:
This is a challenge, but one we as Kiwi's know how to overcome. We are a resilient lot and you will get through this mama. Staying home (whether you're the mama of an infant who is worried about public gatherings or the mama of school-age children who may be required at some point to stay home all day) can be a challenge and we have some plenty of tips and ideas for how to make it through with the kiddo's at home, working from home and creating a short term 'normal' to get through.
Social distancing may be difficult. Let's just admit that. But you can do this! If you are in the postpartum period and feel the pandemic is making you depressed, consider reaching out for help.
Getting outdoors, fresh air, exercise, read a book and distance yourself from too many news headlines. Limit your time to 20 minutes a day keeping ahead of whats going on and what you need to know from credible sources for instance. Focus on the things that you know will get you through an anxious moment. Give yourself some positive self talk declarations when you feel that unbearable anxious feeling e.g. "I can do this", "This feeling is not real, what is around me is and I can do this." etc. Connect with loved ones, talk it out, a problem shared can reduce your stress and anxiety and be talked through with a loved one or friend.
OHbaby! is here for you, mama. This is a challenge, and we're keeping track of what you need to know about COVID-19.