We the people have been inundated with information regarding the coronavirus.

We’ve heard from politicians who tout information about how to deal with this global medical crisis. Fortunately, we have a medical community of experts in the field. That we choose to listen more favorably to the Epidemiologists and Virologists might be more advantageous to our physical-medical welfare.

Little information is brought to our collective attention regarding the anxiety we are left to experience. Forced to remain sequestered or quarantined at home, we are left to face who, but each other. History has taught us some bitter lessons when we’re homebound during crises. The divorce rate goes through the roof. We are left to our own devices on managing ourselves, our spouse or partner, and our children. Most people can withstand a couple or few days. Just like we do in a wintertime blizzard or hurricane when the electricity goes out.

When the medical experts urge us to stay home to offset the time necessary for the virus to pass, a few days may surge into a few weeks or more. What can we do to manage the time in a healthy way?

Here are some ideas — food for thought:

¯ if you are ill, contact your PCP and follow recommended precautions to get well at home or in a hospital setting. Keep your family safe from exposure;

¯ anxiety that lingers in its many forms can lead to depression. They are closely related. If you are experiencing loss of appetite, sleep, mood, or joy and pleasurable thoughts, you may want to seek professional guidance;

¯ talk openly with each other and to your children to their level of comprehension. We need to validate, not corrupt or invalidate, emotions. They are real. Talking about feelings can be cathartic;

¯ exercise alone or together, whatever works for you and your children. Be creative and have fun;

¯ play some fun games — board games, cards that are light-hearted in nature. Laughter, a by-product of games, can sooth the soul;

¯ lovingly touch each other. Many people love massages of the neck, back, feet, and head. Children might enjoy a loving massage before bedtime to comfort and promote relaxing sleep;

¯ get everyone to help with household chores. Keep the house clean;

¯ cook and bake together once in a while. Children can learn to bake cookies or even follow a simple healthy recipe for a family meal;

¯ manage your money by discussing bills and prioritizing, especially if you’re out of work temporarily;

¯ use your creative juices to seek ideas to earn side money, such as selling items you no longer need but may have value to others;

¯ pay special attention to your pets. They need attention, too. Play with your cat or dog with toys. Take turns walking the dog, even in pairs;

¯ eat healthy. Fruits and vegetables, fresh or frozen, are great. You can make smoothies or eat a good salad;

¯ for those facing the struggles of addictions such as alcohol, drugs, or gambling, you might face your demons by being homebound. Now is a righteous time to be candid with your spouse or parent and seek professional help;

¯ for those prone to anger or rage, for example due to impatience, this also suggests seeking help. Your family will be proud;

¯ make time, even a few minutes, to pray and to meditate. Quiet time can be energizing, satisfying, and fulfilling. Breathe;

¯ do some light reading for yourself or your children. This can be relaxing and soothing;

¯ listen to enjoyable music;

¯ watch movies that you deem wholesome.

We’re all in this together. No one asked for it. The lessons intertwined in this coronavirus can split us apart or bring us closer as a family, as a community, as a region, as a country in this planet Earth. You choose. Don’t be afraid to seek help and guidance via clergy, friends, and professional mental health providers. It’s all confidential. This can be a test of our resilience. You’ve got this.