The virus known as a pandemic: COVID-19

The world is experiencing some very unprecedent times and if you are like me, trying to understand the gravity of this situation is futile. To comprehend such an event is overwhelming and unfathomable however this does not mean being ignorant to the precautions we can take to help ‘flatten the curve’.

Social distancing

Humans are by nature social creatures; we naturally orientate towards one other and it is well documented that humans need other humans to survive, it’s this need along with social interaction that helps shape us. It is now recommended (& strongly encouraged) that you reduce contact between yourself and other people with at least 1.5m between you.

It is worth noting that social distancing is NOT the same as self-isolation. Self-isolation is essential if you have tested positive for COVID-19 or you have been identified as a close contact of a person confirmed with the infection or you have recently entered Australia from anywhere overseas.  Self-isolation requires you to stay on your property, indoors or in your back yard and as much as it pains me to say this, to not go running if you are self-isolating or feeling unwell.

Both social distancing and self-isolation require you to have a balanced state of mind; we cannot grow to fear our follow (wo)man or the world in which we are currently living in.

In the words of Emily May, Fostering Hope Psychology:

“The state of your mind will determine how you engage with the state of the world.

A crisis of the mind will amplify a crisis of life.

A clarity of mind will contain a crisis of life.”

WORK

Pause

Have your organisation in which you work for pause all work-related travel and implement where possible remote work access for all employees who are able to do so. Make you’re your organisations health plan is relevant and if you are required to work in the office, ensure the business has stepped up the cleaning of your work place and surrounding surfaces.

HOME

Love thy neighbour

During this uncertain and isolating period, we need to ensure we lift ourselves up as well as others by not only giving physical space to one other (1.5m square) but offering kindness, compassion and assistance.

Leave a note with your neighbours and surrounding residential residences that you willing, able and offering your help especially to the elderly and medically fragile neighbours should they need groceries and medications but are unable to get to the shops themselves. If you are able then offer your help; we’re all in this together.

LEISURE

Time to go for a run

If you’re not self-isolating and just practising social distancing then running in a non-crowded area is safe and encouraged.  Running is a source of positive energy and geez we need a bit more of that these days so help spread the happy running energy…the world will thank you for it along with your mind & body.

Avoid communal surfaces

You have decided to lace up and get your daily dose of positive endorphins all the while topping up on Vitamin D BUT when doing so in a residential or populated area such as a park or the beach avoid touching communal surfaces like drinking taps & fountains, traffic buttons, public toilets and hand rails.

When you get back to the car or your home be sure to follow the guidelines of washing your hands with soap for a minimum 20 seconds and/or use a hand sanitiser.

Is today the day to skip leg day?

Gym junkies beware; given the sweaty and close nature of the gyms its paramount that you follow the guidelines and focus on 1) social distancing 2) practice good hygiene such as hand washing, hand sanitisers and wiping down the machines & weights before and after use.  

Don’t share drink bottles, be aware of what your gym towel is touching and avoid sharing mats and benches, oh and try an avoid visiting the gym in peak times and attending crowded gym classes.

Do it indoors

There may come a time when we can’t train outdoors; we all feel this in winter when it’s cold and raining but during this pandemic it might, just might be time to start looking at your indoor options when it comes to your weight workout, strength & conditioning sessions and your scheduled run or ride.  Time to invest in:

• Hand weights, kettle bells and medicine balls
• Resistance bands
• Yoga mats
• Mobility and recovery tools
• Treadmill
• Wahoo Kickr power trainer (and when you do look into the Koa Sports League)

ORGANISATIONS

Stand behind race organisers

It goes without saying it’s difficult to see some of our favourite running events around the world being cancelled however we must stand behind all race organisers who are making the touch decisions to protect the health of the running community.

Already paid your race entry? For most, coordinating races for us to attend is done for the love of it, not the money so before you ask for a refund maybe think to yourself ‘what economic toll will this take on the future running of this event?”

Much of your race entry has already been allocated way before you line up on the start line and while you see your entry as a fee for your glory; it’s actually a fee to have you register, run safe, be rewarded with a medal and merchandise and guarantee the future of running of the event.

Taking its toll

The human and economic toll of this GLOBAL pandemic is difficult for us as an individuals to comprehend and what we are seeing & hearing today is only the beginning; everyone is affected in some way or another.

We as individuals can help slow and eradicate this virus; it only takes one to both accelerate and stop the infection. Now is the time to stand up and pay attention to what the authorities are telling us; please visit the below sites to be more informed (Facebook and Instagram should not be your only source of guidance):

• World Health Organization 
• Australian Government Department of Health 

Help slow the spread

• Be SAFE
• Be SMART
• Be CAREFUL
• Be INFORMED
• Be ALERT
• Be PREPARED
• Be KIND

Let nature be thy medicine

While we have the opportunity, we here at Planted Life encourage you to get outside to breathe the benefits of nature; to put one foot in the front of the other and to think about your actions both now and into the future.

Continue to play it safe and we continue to stand side by side with the world as we tackle this global pandemic together.

#COVID19 #StayAtHome