Addressing the “elephant in the room”

We live in a society that actually promotes loneliness and isolation. That seems like an oxymoron because we are all so busy going places and being involved in activities, but that does not mean we are connected on a deep level. Now with the coronavirus pandemic, all of this has been accentuated and accelerated. For those of us feeling lonely, we are now lonelier. For those of us feeling isolated, we are more isolated. 

In other cultures, building community is part of daily living. Outward success and financial achievement are not as important in other cultures as they are here. This is a reason why there is so much fear and panic at this time. This is uncharted territory for most of us.

I am single and on my own, and I do have strong connections, but not as many as people in larger families that live close together. I want to look at the silver lining and positives in what we can do, and I will speak to the major issues or “elephant in the room” affecting all of us.

Financially, for those with steady paychecks, most will be paid. For those who are sole proprietors, business owners, independent contractors and whose businesses depend on steady customers in the doors, their financial security is at risk. This is a time for more communication with vendors, customers, creditors and ourselves about what we need versus what we want. 

Healthwise, we all know the recommendations for cleanliness and safety during the coronavirus pandemic. We know to wash our hands, use hand sanitizer and social distancing. We need to add what we can do for our own selfcare. This includes more sleep or better sleep, eating healthier foods (to help mood), getting exercise (even if it means dancing in your living room or sitting in a chair doing leg lifts). There are many online resources in this area. 

Emotionally, this is a time to bridge the gap between isolation and loneliness by reaching out to our friends, family, customers, employees and colleagues. We can do this online, the phone and through other social media tools. This is a time to support each other and reconnect with those that we have lost touch with because of our busy lives. 

Spiritually, the new buzz word seems to be mindfulness, but it is especially what we need during this time. There are wonderful apps out there such as Headspace, Calm, Mindfulness Daily and Insight Timer. This is also a time to take an inventory and make a list of what we have internally and externally. What are our gifts? What are our blessings? This includes friends, family, home, and the resources readily available to us in our homes and environment. It is also a time to think of others who could use our help. A phone call or text can make someone’s entire day, especially in a time of isolation where we are not surrounded by other people. 

Environmentally, this is a great time to look at our space, our homes, apartments, and cars to see what we do and do not need. We can organize drawers or books, clean out shelves, discard old papers, reorganize the basement, go through our closets. Organizing, discarding clutter, and cleaning out is very healing. 

For me, the lesson is about staying open and creative and positive. We may need to find new ways to earn money, take care of ourselves, communicate with others and show up in the world. 

We will get through this pandemic faster by getting through this together. I’m sending you all my love and support.

Patricia Raskin, Raskin Resources Productions, Inc.

Patricia Raskin is a nationally recognized, multi-media talk show host, award-winning producer and business owner. She is recognized by her peers and audiences as the “powerhouse voice” on lifestyle, health and wellness and inspirational programs. Her work as a trainer, speaker and coach to thousands of participants, focuses on creating positive change and she presents and trainings and workshops locally, regionally and nationally.

Close to four decades, as a “positive media” pioneer, her programs have aired on Cumulus, Fox, PBS and NPR affiliates, WTKF, 107.3FM and Blog Talk Radio and she was one of the first to create positive radio programs on the internet.

The Patricia Raskin Show, aired on the News Talk 630 WPRO for over ten years is now broadcast exclusively on VoiceAmerica.com, its fifteenth year. It is heard live on Mondays on the Variety Channel at 2PMET/11AM PT, rebroadcast on Saturdays at 3PMET on the Health and Wellness Channel.

Patricia works with companies, businesses and non-profit organizations to create trainings, seminars, radio programs, podcasts, and events that promote healthy living.Currently, Patricia is the host and producer of the upcoming television pilot “Positive Aging” which will air on Rhode Island PBS. Patricia holds a Bachelor’s degree from Lesley College and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Salem State College. Patricia is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) from the World Coach Institute. She is a 2017 graduate of the NU11 class of Leadership Rhode Island. Patricia is a recipient of the 2015 Rhode Island Small Business (SBA) Award and the 2001 recipient of the Circle of Excellence Media Award from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.