Caring for Others in Times of COVID
With a surge in people reporting mental health difficulties during 2020, it is evident that the pandemic has caused a separate epidemic of its own.
So with the country once again in lockdown, along with winter’s short days and long dark nights, it is hard for the nation not to feel anxious, and now more than ever it is vital that we look after our own mental wellbeing and support others where possible.
Here are some things we can do to help others, which could change someone’s day, week, or even their life:
- Check in with local elderly neighbours, bake them a cake and knock on the door or tap the window to check people living alone are okay.
- Plate an extra dinner plate if you know someone isn’t cooking for themselves.
- If you see a farmer in their field, stop to see how their day is, comment on the weather or ask how their daily work is going.
- Make one call each day to a family member, neighbour or friend you haven’t spoken to for a while.
- Take your spare books up to the bus shelter or phone box for exchange – pop a notice in the village notice board to spread the message.
- Offer to walk an elderly person’s dog and stay for a chat on the doorstep when you return.
- Offer to buy some bits from the shop for anyone you know is shielding or vulnerable.
- When you see someone on their own, smile and say hello, even try and chat.
- Offer to tidy someone’s garden.
- Take someone’s bin back in.
The list could be endless, the point is to think of others, being mindful and considerate.
And as a final note ”if you make someone smile – you’ll be smiling too”
