Wash Your Damn Hands (and Other Things I Shouldn’t Have to Tell You)
Many of you know me from my cannabis bylines and brutally honest health journey as a disabled person with chronic illness. I am #HighRiskCovid19, as are several members of my close family. Needless to say in our current pandemic state of emergency, I am watching people try and digest information that I’ve had years to learn in a matter of weeks. For what it’s worth, here are some suggestions on how to take care of yourself, take care of others, and support your community during social distancing, self-isolation, and quarantine.
You need to calm down (but take it seriously)
Take a deep breath, you are doing a really good job handling some heavy stuff. It isn’t the same world as it was a week ago and that can be overwhelming. Isolation is difficult, and introvert jokes aside, this much time alone has a majority of people spinning their wheels. It’s important to follow a routine; getting up at the same time everyday, going for walks around the block (with your vape is highly encouraged), get dressed, brush your teeth, and remember that this isn’t forever.
Self-care is essential, in whatever form that means to you. Perhaps you dig long baths - or a thick blunt - regardless it is critical that we make time to nourish our physical and emotional bodies. With so many practicing social distancing, self-isolation, or quarantine, there can be a strong temptation to scroll all your free time away. Don’t be afraid to practice social media distancing if you are experiencing panic or anxiety made worse by time online
Maybe you’ve noticed that your chronically ill and/or disabled friends are eerily calm, the truth is they have a perspective that is desperately needed right now. I’m not going to sugar coat it, people like me are furious this consideration and accommodation haven’t been commonplace the whole time. The exposure that people are fearful of right now, is a very real threat to the lives of chronically ill humans year-round. Take this fear and mobilize it into action, be proactive but remember to breathe through the panic.
Wash your damn hands (and other things I shouldn’t have to tell you)
Every single person can make a difference in the mobilization of this virus by practicing conscious hygiene habits. Washing your hands regularly - and properly - is literally the least you could do, so lather up buttercup. Don’t forget to clean around your rings (don’t just take them off, wash your hands, and put your filthy ring back on). People who have artificial nails - you need a nail brush (or an old toothbrush) to get them truly clean and sanitized.
Disinfect high traffic areas of your home often as viruses can live on surfaces in the home. This means wiping down your phone daily, clean light switches, doorknobs, deadbolts, remotes, laptops, and basically anything else you touch on the regular. Go above and beyond with your hygiene right now, think of it as protecting your family and your community.
Validate your disabled/chronically ill friends
Real talk, we need to think critically about how easy accessibility and accommodation became in a matter of weeks. On one hand, it is amazing to watch all the positive ways we have mobilized as a community and as a country. On the other hand, it feels like a slap in the face to disabled people and individuals with chronic health problems. This pandemonium has allowed the average able-bodied person to look behind the curtain, don’t squander it. If you are usually in good health and finding this transition to fear, isolation, and limited engagement difficult after a few weeks that is ok - it is hard. Vent your frustration to your friends who live like this year-round, just remember to acknowledge and validate them too. No need to pander, and try your hardest not to say inspiring, a simple recognition of this reality is sometimes all we need.
Support your community
Be patient, extend kindness, and put compassion before reaction in any stressful situations that may arise. There are ways to support your community during the various closures, risk, and shopping chaos. If you are financially able, tip extra, buy local, don’t hoard, and offer monetary support to vital services. Contributions don’t have to be financial, support struggling businesses online with likes, shares, and engagement.
Cannabis is about community, that hasn't changed in a pandemic world. This industry is home to some of the most fiercely capable and passionate people I have ever met in a professional setting. Remember that some people are having trouble affording or accessing their medical cannabis right now. Reach out, offer to have a cyber sesh, and make sure everyone has enough green. We will get each other through this.