My posts are often focused on what I refer to as “well-centered fitness”—that is, the balance of Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social wellness (or “health”). I approach this from the perspective of an exercise physiologist. In other words, I believe that we have to challenge the dimensions of “well-centered fitness” daily. I propose the mantra: “be your best today; be better tomorrow”. I encourage daily growth.
In response to COVID-19, we have shut down most of our nation (to varying degrees). At the top of the shutdown list (and the bottom of the reopening lists) are the institutions that are most critical to our wellness—in turn, our health. These include: schools, churches, and gyms. In promoting physical distancing, we have encouraged greater social distancing (in communities that are already quite disconnected). True, these decisions were made largely with the intent of preventing the spread of the virus and preventing hospitals from being overwhelmed. While there was some logic in the decisions made, there was very little wisdom, in my humble opinion. Perhaps, if we weren’t in a presidential year, decisions might have been made differently. One can only speculate on the motives of the decision makers at all levels (and, if you are blaming one leader or pointing fingers are the ones you disagree with, you are grossly deluded). The reality is that every decision and choice we make comes with a cost. Few have counted the costs in their ongoing narratives.
It is important, i.e., essential, that we protect lives. There are segments of our communities that are vulnerable to infection by this virus. It is true that we don’t have a full grasp of how this virus and how/who it affects. We do, however, now that the vast majority who are infected are asymptomatic or have only minor symptoms (similar to a really bad cold or flu). We know that most recover. We don’t know why—and, frankly, I am disappointed/upset that we are not seeing efforts to understand why. None of this negates the fact that people are dying. We must guard against the spread to those who are most vulnerable (e.g., the elderly and persons with suppressed immune systems). We must also acknowledge that other preexisting conditions increase one’s risk—many of these are entirely preventable diseases. We also have to acknowledge that we don’t wholly understand the etiology and pathogenesis of COVID-19. We know that age is a risk factor, but we also see people of all ages being infected. Nonetheless, there a strong argument in favor of reopening the economy in a meticulous and considerate fashion.
The shutdown has come at a cost that has yet to be fully realized. Few are escaping the burden of added stress. Lost income, instability, worry, and fear promote the fight-or-flight response. Additionally, exercise and nutritional habits are disrupted. Sleep patterns interrupted. The immune system takes a hit. Not only does isolation prevent exposure to pathogens that will strengthen our immunity, but it weakens the defenses that are already present. Fleeing from one virus, we are more vulnerable to others.
The shutdown has come at a cost to mental health, as well. Depression and social isolation costs lives. Suicide. Domestic violence. Alcohol and drug abuse. These are some of the under-discussed ill-effects of social distancing.
We need to reopen schools and gyms. We need to make sure that our communities have access to mental and general preventative health care. We need care for ourselves and we need to care for others. If we are other-centered, the risk of transmission of this and other viruses will be minimized. We have been awakened to our sloppiness. We know the necessary precautions. We might not all be smart or caring enough to carry through with these, but those of us who are will.
The opening of our communities will also come with a cost. Some might say at a cost to our personal liberties. Perhaps. I would argue that it will come at the cost of personal selfishness.
We have choices. We can lockdown tighter and bear the inevitable economic loss and loss to communal “well-centeredness”, we can open up with fingers crossed and bear the inevitable cost of foolish expressions of personal liberty, or we can take personal responsibility for our own health and the protection of other. Frankly, I think the only choice is for each to take ownership of his/her health or yield it to the powers that be.
Exercise. Eat healthy. Get adequate rest. Practice stress management. Make space for the soul (yours and that of your neighbor) to speak. Practice good hygiene (without becoming a germaphobe). Practice social distancing where/when appropriate, but don’t lose the capacity for physical contact. Be other-centered. Love you neighbor and care for the weak. Above all, LIVE!
Be your best today; be better tomorrow,
Carpe momento!