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You’ll notice that I’ve released this week’s episode early - and I’ve changed the topic. I originally planned to teach you the wilted flower practice, but I’m postponing that topic for another time so I can talk about bringing mindfulness to your response to the COVID-19 virus.

We’re experiencing a lot of uncertainty right now, and uncertainty can lead to anxiety and panic which can in turn lead to poor decision-making and ultimately to negative consequences. If you can bring mindfulness into play, you can pivot. Instead of mindlessly reacting to the uncertainty, you can respond in a calm and carefully-considered way.

Let’s start by talking about the news. Recognize that news outlets are driven, not by a need to inform the public, but by a need to generate revenue. It is in their best interests to sensationalize and spread fear, because this leads people to consume more news and the outlets  consequently sell more advertising. 

Be mindful when choosing a news outlet. Look for sources that present fact-based information instead of opinions. Look for sources that report calmly and avoid hype and inflated language. 

Perhaps, when it comes to COVID-19 news, seek news from government agencies. The Mindful15 audience is global, and I can’t list official sources from all countries, but three helpful sources available online are Health Canada, the Centers for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization.  

Also, be careful how you consume the news. There’s no need to check the news constantly. Checking too often puts you in a state of heightened alert and generates a stress response. It encourages the kind of constant rumination that is the hallmark of anxiety. It’s not healthy, and with regard to coronavirus news, it’s not likely that you’re missing key information you check only once or twice per day.

Speaking of the news, let’s mindfully consider what the officials are telling us right now. If you base your response on facts, you’ll realize there’s no cause for panic. On March 1, the Lancet reported the virus’s estimated mortality rate at 3.6%. Many who contract the virus suffer only minor symptoms and not everyone will contract the virus. Furthermore, the people at highest risk are those with lung disease or compromised immune systems. If you don’t fall into this category, your personal risk is even lower.

If you or someone you spend time with does fall into this category, extra precaution is warranted. I am not a valid source of information about precautions, though. Please see official sources for the best advice. Again, opt for calm and careful adherence to guidelines instead of panic that does nothing to improve the situation.

Speaking of precautions, even those at low risk need adhere to the official advice. Yes, you may find it weird to wash your hands for a full 20 seconds or to cough into your elbow, for example, but these actions are the best protections. It doesn’t hurt you to perform them, so why would you not comply? A mindful person takes these precautions, not just to protect themselves, but to protect other people, too. Please practice compassion. Even if you feel well, you can spread harmful germs to other people. If you care about others,