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How can I help others during coronavirus outbreak?

Updated / Monday, 16 Mar 2020 16:56
Being community-minded could benefit us all right now.
Being community-minded could benefit us all right now.

Lots of people have started to ask: how can I help others during the coronavirus pandemic?

Doing our bit to help minimise the spread of the virus is paramount, of course. But beyond that, in times of heightened anxiety and uncertainty, especially when so much feels out of our control, tapping into our community spirits and thinking of how we can possibly help others during coronavirus, can benefit everyone.

Not only could it mean more vulnerable people get vital lifelines and support, but there’s also tremendous benefit to our own personal wellbeing too.

"Helping others keeps us anchored in perspective, focused on something constructive and purposeful, and deepens our feelings of connection at a time that is very alienating for many," says psychologist, wellbeing author and health coach, Suzy Reading.

"When we feel our minds spiralling into the ‘what ifs’," she adds, it can really help to "bring it back to ‘what can I do?’. We can make smart, nourishing choices and we can be socially responsible to take care of the vulnerable.

"This is a time when we need to be engaging in soothing, life-giving practices so we can stay calm, and for looking for simple ways we can help others feel less alone.

"All it takes is a phone call to provide a kind ear or happy distraction, a letter communicating care, or arranging a thoughtful package of goods."

So, while we can’t click our fingers and make it vanish (unfortunately), could pulling together to help others during coronavirus be the soul-soothing tonic we all need?

Here are 5 ways to help others, and yourself, feel better…

1. Pick up the phone

Even small acts of kindness can go a very long way. A chat on the phone or some time on FaceTime or Skype can make a world of difference to someone’s day if they’re isolated, possibly lonely and cut off, or very worried and anxious.

Texts and messages have a place too of course, but actually talking gives us an extra level of that all-important sense of connection (aka soul nourishment).

Whether you’re single and live alone, or being cooped up with the kids for too long is driving everyone up the walls, a good chat with someone can bring welcome relief for all of us.

2. Distract an anxious pal

For those caught in its grip (most of us, at some point or other, right?), anxiety is very real and can be very overwhelming – which a heck of a lot of people are experiencing right now.

This isn’t something we can just snap out of, and everybody responds differently. Thankfully, there are lots we can do to help manage anxiety. Going easy on ourselves, and each other, is a helpful starting point – and offering up a dose of distraction can work wonders.

How about sending a friend an amazing, uplifting magazine article on something completely unrelated to coronavirus? Posting them your favourite feel-good book or comedy suggestions? 

Personally, we recommend you catch up on Talking It Out, ER, Pen15 and State of the Union.

3. Is there an elderly relative or neighbour you could check in with?

Whether it’s an aunt living alone on the other side of the country, or the elderly couple a few doors down, a few phone calls to check-in (or a knock on the door, if it’s practical and sensible to do so) could be a really helpful gesture.

In terms of helping older people during the coronavirus pandemic, always follow the advice of the HSE and be sure to keep up to date with reliable sources of information.

If it’s not safe to do so, try to stay in touch over the phone, online or by post. 

4. Support your local businesses

For those who can afford it, supporting your local businesses can be a great way to help people in a practical manner. Although many businesses will be closed, consider buying a voucher online so that they have the money now, and you have something to look forward to in the future.

Read more: 6 of the best wellbeing podcasts to give you a boost

5. Be mindful with social media

If you’re fairly active on social media, before posting that status update or sharing that news article or meme, take a moment to consider what impact it might have.

Remember, social media can be an important force for good for many people, especially during times of isolation, so it’s a good idea to be mindful of how we’re using it: 

"It helps to be mindful in conversation to avoid creating more fear, and we have a role on social media to be supportive, creating an online community presence while people are so physically isolated," says Reading.

Unsurprisingly, Irish comedians have become a great source of creative content during this time of social distancing so be sure to follow them on social media if you want a pick me up.

They are providing podcasts, Facebook videos, TikToks, Tweets, Instagram stories - and it's all for free. Subscribe to their channels and be sure to buy tickets to their shows when they return to the stage!

If you're looking for some wholesome content tonight, follow Alison Spittle on Twitter for her nightly #CovideoParty. Every night, followers tune in to a movie at 9pm GMT and tweet along, discussing their favourite bits. Tonight's movie is Jumanji on Netflix - don't miss out!

If you have recently travelled from an affected area or want information about coronavirus, go to the HSE's coronavirus page here.

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