3 Positive Takeaways from COVID-19
THE CORONAVIRUS HAS LED TO A GLOBAL PANDEMIC AND WIDESPREAD PANIC.
For months, the world has been ordered to stay-at-home and all of our lives have been impacted. Death totals are at catastrophic levels, and as of this writing, the finish line is not yet reachable. I'm not a doctor and I'm not an expert on COVID-19. But, I like to think of myself as a champion for healthy habits and a voice for positive change. There has been an important message noticeably absent from the daily briefings and news conferences. We know that humanity is dealing with a major problem but there is little talk about how we can actively protect ourselves. No matter what is happening around us, we all choose to decide how we respond to it. If anyone ever gives me a chance to speak publicly about my beliefs, then you can bet that it will sound like this:
As we all know, the coronavirus has shut down our world. The majority of the information regarding how to avoid testing positive for COVID-19 has been to hide at home and shelter-in-place; as if the ostrich method of sticking our heads in the sand will magically save us. We know that COVID-19 attacks the immune system, but there has not been enough discussion regarding boosting the immune system through diet and exercise, plus the additional stress relief benefits of these healthy habits. We're told that if we must leave the home, then social distancing and wearing a mask will help save us. While these are acceptable, measurable precautions, they are all reactionary. If our number one strategy to defeat COVID-19 is to rely on avoiding people (in the country's third largest city!?!) and wearing a mask, then we have already lost. It's comparable to the sports analogy of "playing not to lose" instead of "playing to win." As all coaches can attest, there is a big difference between the two. If we're playing not to lose, then we play timidly; we'll depend on our flimsy masks to save us from the coronavirus and not make an honest assessment of our health. If we're playing to win, then we will continue to play aggressively; taking action to implement better habits and lifestyle changes that make our overall health a stronger priority. COVID-19 is the greatest health scare of our generation, and it preys upon a weakened immune system. Let's strengthen our immune system. Let's take the power back and prioritize our health for the present and the future. Let's be aware enough to admit that we need to make changes, and we need to make them now. Let's set an example that our kids can follow. Truthfully, our lives may depend on it.
The night is always darkest just before the dawn, and Chicago is now in Phase 4 of its re-opening. After plenty of time for reflection, here are three positive takeaways from the quarantine.
1. HEALTH MATTERS
Some medical experts, including Dr. Jason Godo, believe that all humans will contract the COVID-19 virus. It will happen. But, how our body fights the virus — and the strength of our immune system — is directly under our control. Simply put, the better our health, the stronger our immune system. The stronger our immune system, the better prepared we are to defend against any potential illness. Our immune systems can be boosted by our choices: commitment to a healthy lifestyle, exercise frequency, nutritional decisions, stress management techniques, etc.
Reality check: The United States is an unhealthy country. According to a recent New York Times article there is a link between obesity and the coronavirus, loosely translated as that obese people are more likely to be effected by the virus. The article also reinforces that 42% of Americans are obese, which one can conclude is why the USA has been so ravaged. I like the number 42 for the jersey numbers of Jackie Robinson and Mariano Rivera. I do not like the number 42 when it is referring to the percent of Americans that are obese. (Not just overweight, mind you, but obese. We have to do better!)
Follow me on this thought pattern: Healthy people are better prepared to protect against disease, no matter where you're from or where you live. But, nearly 80 million Americans are categorized as "obese;" that's 80 million people with improper defense mechanisms to shield against an invading COVID-19, or any virus. If someone's immune system has more holes than Swiss cheese, then they can expect to be severely weakened by COVID-19. Contrastly, if someone's immune system is built like the impenetrable Chicago Bears' "46" defense, well, that legendary defense destroyed all invaders and made any future opponent think twice before entering the arena.
Now is the perfect time to increase self-awareness; to ask yourself what you can do better. Find ways to adopt a healthier lifestyle, whether it be through exercise, diet, stress management, or better relationships — they are all connected and contribute to health. Truthfully, our lives may depend on it.
2. PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS MATTER
Technology has made our lives simpler, personally and professionally. Sending a text is an easy way to stay in touch and requires little effort. FaceTime has replaced face time. But now, when the quarantine prevents us from being physically present, we should understand the importance of personal connection. As the easily recognizable 1980s hair band Cinderella song lyrics go, "you don't know what you got til it's gone." (When singing along, be sure to dress in classic '80s fashion: big hair, lots of bright spandex.) Once this is over, make it a point to share the room with loved ones.
The people we choose to spend our time with directly impact our health. Hanging around with people that are active, eat kale, and do yoga? Then you probably will, too. Conversely, if your crew is pounding Miller Lites, crushing Taco Bell, and smoking a pack of cigarettes per day, you're likely to adopt similar habits. Now is a great time to do a personnel inventory. Take a breath and deep cleanse the people that don't elevate you to your best self. Surrounding yourself with positive relationships is a key to success. Truthfully, our lives may depend on it.
3. DISCIPLINE MATTERS
Everyone has been stuck at home and life has been judo-flipped upside down. Jobs have been lost, income is inconsistent, schooling is at-home, and the local and national news have been terrible. Yeah, people are stressed. No routine has been the new routine. This reality has led to unprecedented stress levels and various depths of depression, plus using alcohol and comfort food as coping techniques. It's been extremely easy to sit on the couch, watch Netflix and order pizza. In fact, such inactivity has been suggested by our political leaders and medical experts. (That doesn't sound like a proactive approach to health.) With gyms shuttered, lakefront paths closed, and fitness relegated to a virtual experience, no one is living in their healthiest mind/body. Stripped of our comfortable lifestyles, Charles Darwin's "survival of the fittest" may soon be on display.
The ability to stay health-focused during a quarantine is undeniably difficult. But, with limited access and physical separation from support groups, self-discipline is extremely important. Terry McCombs — one of my Hall of Fame high school football coaches — used to always say, "we have the greatest power on earth, the power to choose." He said it at every practice and in every team meeting, becoming laughably predictable. But, he was right. We do have the power to choose.
We can choose to sit on our asses. Or we can choose to go for a walk. We can choose to drink a bottle of whiskey every night. Or we can choose to just have one glass. We can choose to neglect our health. Or we can choose to prioritize our health. We can choose to watch TV all day. Or we can choose to do home-workouts. We can choose to order takeout fried chicken. Or we can choose to grill chicken at home. The choice is always ours. Choose wisely.
Truthfully, our lives may depend on it.