Here’s how we can help from home and fight this invisible war we’re all dealing with today. I know that watching and reading the news can be depressing especially if we feel like there’s nothing we can do about it. But remember that by staying home, you’re already being part of the solution to stop the spread of the virus! So kudos to you!
Now if you find yourself thinking how else can you help others amid being stuck at home, then read on.
To borrow a quote to get us all to be inspired in this dire situation:
No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted.
– Aesop
5 Small Ways You Can Help From Home
Guess what! You don’t have to be a millionaire to help out! Here are 5 things that you can do to help out in your own simple ways. Yes, you can help from home!
Reach out to your family and friends
It’s easy to take this as a time to Netflix and chill at home and not give a damn about what’s happening around us. But the small acts of kindness and thoughtfulness can go a long way, especially in these trying times. Go ahead and make that phone call, Facetime or Zoom video conference to your family and friends! Catch up with them and ask how they are doing and if they need any help. This is one of the simplest ways you can help from home.
Also, reach out to that delivery guy (thanks to him you will not be starving), the cashier personnel, and the other daily wage earners you encounter as you do your grocery run. Ask how they’re doing and maybe offer them some packed food (you’ll be surprised to know some haven’t even eaten a decent meal for the day because they don’t have time to buy for their own needs).
ALSO READ: A discussion about guarding mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Support small businesses
Take note of those small businesses that are helping in their own simple ways and making sure their employees are well compensated and protected during this crisis. Let’s also help them in return. They don’t have a lot of resources and soon they might be at risk of going out of business. Be forgiving if there are any delays in delivery (if they deliver at all).
Most small businesses have to temporarily stop their operation during the enhanced community quarantine. One way to support them is by buying from their online stores even though they will not be able to ship right away. Or simply sharing about their stores with your friends can mean a lot. Just the assurance that customers are still there waiting for them to come back can make a huge difference to them.
Be sensitive about what you post online
As they say, if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it. The same rule applies when you post online. Crisis or not, it’s simply not cool to be insensitive to the feelings of others. Classic example – showing how much tissue or food or isopropyl alcohol you hoarded and posting it online. I hope you know that there’s a special place in hell for people like that. Give others the fighting chance to survive this battle – you’re not the only one affected. Also, maybe it’s best to refrain from posting how explicitly SUPER bored you are at home or how sucky you think your gourmet lunch is. Because guess what? Others are not as fortunate as you are.
Think before you click that share button! There’s already so much fear and anxiety in the air – there’s no need to add to that anymore. Always do a fact check and only share information from trusted resources. Here are some renowned websites to get valid information from:
- World Health Organization
- Department of Health
- CNN Philippines
- Rappler
- The New York Times
- Reuters
- Newsweek