Dear Nashville,
Right now it’s all anyone can talk about: Coronavirus. The companies (that can) are suggesting their employees work from home. Small businesses are struggling to figure out what to do next. Events are getting canceled across the country. Toilet paper stock is running dry. People are incredibly nervous right now––and with that fear comes stress which leads to an increase in cortisol which can, in turn, increase anxiety and depression, affect sleep and concentration, and slow digestion. So while we quarantine ourselves, work from home, and protect our physical health it is just as important to protect our mental health and our community.
Nashville has recently experienced some significant trauma. Between the tornados and now the coronavirus, we are shutting down the city right when we need each other most. These are necessary measures and the right thing to do, but it’s an especially critical time to make sure we are checking in on each other and taking care of our community.
Social distancing is critical right now but it’s also incredibly hard on small businesses, those that work in the service industry, those that work as contractors/1099, public servants that have no choice, group fitness instructors, community organizers that still need volunteers, everyone in the events industry, and so many more. We all want and need to stay safe but please make sure you are still supporting where you can. If you have access make sure you donate to organizations like Gideon’s Army and Hands On Nashville. Both are working to still take volunteers but HON is limiting the max number per project. (As always, if you feel even a little less than 100 please STAY HOME.) If you have a friend that works in the service industry maybe hire them to help with another project you have, or cook them a meal, or just offer an understanding of how difficult it is to have your income pulled out from under you. If your favorite local business has an online account please consider buying something or send them a card letting them know you are thinking of them.
Cutting ourselves off from each other physically doesn’t mean we need to be alone. Call the friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with. Call your parents or your sibling, read a book about someone’s lived experience that’s different from yours, watch a documentary. Now is a time for taking care of ourselves both mentally and physically. Don’t panic. Manage your stress. Breathe deeply.
We’re making out Meditation for Stress Management packet available to everyone here.
We hope it helps. If you want to listen to a guided meditation why not check out Ashley’s three-part breathing exercise from our podcast here.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need anything. Or if you have ideas. Or if you want to talk. We're here for you.
-Elizabeth + Team TRILUNA