It has been months now since hearing the term COVID 19. As a nurse who works in the emergency room the fear of this coming to our community was very real. We would hear horror stories about large cities such as Ney York being completely devastated by this virus. For months hospitals and towns prepared by canceling events, shutting down schools and instructing everyone to stay home except those who are deemed essential. Suddenly, life has changed and we struggle to find ways to support each other.
It’s been a trying time for everyone who works in healthcare. Preparing for the worst but hoping for the best while still heading into work even though we have fears of what is to come. Fears for our families, children, communities and patients. The encouragment that has been showered upon healthcare workers has been amazing and makes heading into work everyday to face the unknown that much more rewarding.
However, nobody could have prepared us for the uninentional fall out from this pandemic. The side effect of lonlieness after being seperated from our family, friends and others in our day to day lives that we socialize and interact with. No more handshakes, no more hugs, no more standing within a 6 foot radius of each other. How can we stay connected with each other at a time like this? How can we support each other? How can we support our essential workers, parents, grandparents, and friends while safely staying apart?
This post is sponsored by MyPostcard app, however all my opinions are my own. You can read my full disclosures HERE.
5 Ways to Support Each Other
Call, Text or Facetime
Just reach out. Whether it’s throught text, facetime, calling or visiting outside your grandmother’s nursing home window. Find ways to stay connected to those that you love. The effect of a simple hope your well or thinking of you text goes a long way to support your friends who may be struggling.
Facetime is also a great way to stay connected especially for children. I have been so thankful that my son’s school has been doing facetime meetings a couple times of week so the kids can see and interact with each other.
Porch drops
My sweet friend Christa dropped a bag of wine and chocolates at my front door one say and it was the most magical thing ever. I’ve also had other friends drop off bottles of wine (seems like a theme to me). I mean who doesn’t want to walk out to their porch and find a little gift? It doesn’t have to be wine (even though I am a big fan of that appearing on my porch), it can be a number of other things. Flowers, candy, fun things to do with the kids (FYI; Avery loves bubbles) or even a meal.
Support Local business
Showing support for those in your life goes beyond family and friends. It extends to your community as well. Supporting local small buisnesses by ordering take out, purchasing gift cards or frequenting them when things upon back up can make the differene for some.
Another thing that has been an amazing show of support is the man that stands at the entrance of the hospital I work out with signs of encouragment and support. Signs have ranged from thank you frontline heros to stay safe and hopeful. A local man stands there almost every morning to demonstrate his support for all the healthcare workers heading into work another day during this uncertain time.
Send cards
Sometimes a simple way to support each other is by good old fashioned sending of cards. MyPostcard App makes sending personalized cards easier then ever. It is a great way to show support and encouragement to a frontline worker in your community, tell your family you are thinking of them or even brighten your friend’s day with a funny care. MyPostcard App has it all.
Sending a card as a way to support each other is a simple and easy thing to do. Head to mypostcard.com or download the app to your phone. From there you can start creating any type of care that you want to! Browse through mulitple templates of cards or search for whatever you are looking for. From there you can customize to your preferences! Chose from postcard, greeting card or audio card.
You can add your own photo, create a personalized message and when you’re all done MyPostcard app will address, stamp and send your card for you. It’s so easy you can create while binge watching your favorite shows. Check out how it all works over at mypostcard.com.
Be Kind
Lastly, be kind. Kind to each other, kind to strangers and yes, kind to your frontline workers. We are all doing the best we can to stay afloat amongst this pandemic. Knowing that this time is hard for everyone and we all have different perspectives on how So being kind is one of the easiest ways we can all support each other during this period of time.
Facetime and porch drops have been life savers. I have two little ones who miss seeing their grandparents and cousins as much. Fingers crossed this all ends soon.
Playing games with family via FaceTime has made such a huge difference for both me and my kids.
Crazy times we’re in. I’m in NY, my son has his first virtual birthday party coming up in a week. Looking forward to the light at the end of the tunnel for sure.
Thank you for your support on the frontline, it must be difficult, hang in there and stay healthy. The tips are great especially the porch drop off! I can use some wine:)
These are great suggestions. I love the idea of a social distance custom postcard.
very well written, and thanks for sharing
very nice time sharing with family, thanks to you for sharing