What can you do to prepare for the virus?

Yesterday morning, I woke up with a slight fever.  By the evening, I wasn’t feeling my usual energetic self.  In the absence of this virus, I would have just thought that it was the common cold.  

But now, given our current reality, every indication of a sore throat or a cold, has most of us wondering if we have the Coronavirus!  It is important to note that currently, about 24% of persons have already recovered from it.  Therefore, even if you were to get it, you can recover.

So, how do you prepare for the virus?

We have heard stories from recovering individuals and as such, we can learn  from their experiences.

Here are 6 smart ways to prepare for the virus:

1) Get exercise instead of joining long grocery lines.

Resist the urge to go to the supermarket to get more groceries.  In any case, if you get ill, you will have a reduced appetite.  During that time, you will probably need a basic diet (read below).  

The virus causes severe respiratory problems so by exercising, you will help your heart and your lungs to function more efficiently.  Generally, I exercise at least three times weekly for thirty minutes and I’m healthier because of it.

Instead of using your time to wait in the long supermarket lines, walk, run or jog around your house.  While you’re doing this, inhale some clean fresh air.  As an alternative to exercising around your home, find an exercise routine on YouTube.  Regardless of your space, you can get your blood pumping and body moving.  Prepare your body to fight against the virus!

2) Get a good night’s rest every night instead of staying up late.

For those of you who think that you only need six or less hours of rest nightly, how often do you get the common cold or other viruses?   Sufficient sleep keeps your heart healthy and strengthens your immune system.  

Even if you were to contract the virus, a strong immune system will either prevent the virus from overtaking your body completely (less symptoms) or help you to recover quickly.  

3) Prepare soup and other liquids instead of worrying.

When I’m ill (which occurs very rarely … thank the Lord!), I cannot eat any foods that are heavy.  My wonderful mother would often make a simple vegetable soup for which I was very grateful. A warm bowl of soup is easy to digest and sufficiently filling.

Based on recovered COVID-19 individuals, pre-made soup and liquids will come in quite handy.  So while you are well, make a pot of soup and store in the freezer.  

I made a large pot of soup recently for this purpose and it spoilt before it could even reach the freezer… much to my disappointment:(  To make maters worse, it was tasting so good! Anyway, at least I can write about it! (Lol) Please learn from soup mistakes.

Tips on soup-making:

• A large pot of soup will take longer to cool.  You can either stir it periodically and/or pour into smaller containers to help the cooling process.  This is a particular problem if the soup has any oily substance like a cooking oil and/or butter which creates an un-breathable layer on top.
• Do not leave the finished soup on the stove top if you are baking other items in the oven.  This will prevent the soup from cooling quickly and thus, increase the likelihood of spoilage.
• Allow the soup to be exposed to the air to speed up the cooling process, that is to say, do not cover it completely.
• Cool completely before freezing. 

Besides soup, you may also need to have other juices on hand.  I personally like to make my own juices rather than buy store-bought ones which are full of preservatives and artificial sweeteners.  Therefore, I made some tamarind and guava juices and have frozen them.

4) Eat lots of fruits and vegetables instead of consuming too many processed snacks.

God, in His wisdom, has given us fruits and vegetables to enjoy as well as build up our immunity.  Hence, if you have to go out, go to a less-crowded area to buy your supply of fruits and vegetables.  They will be better for your body than processed potato chips and chocolate chip cookies.

5) Build community among your neighbors instead of talking only with your far-away friends.

In times like these, when you have to stay at home, the nearest people to come to your rescue (and vice versa) would be the people who live right next to you.  If you don’t know them, this is a good time to send a message to find out how they are doing. 

A lot of people are cooking and baking more these days.  Why not send a slice of cake to them (while maintaining your distance!)?  While you’re there, exchange contact information.

6) Feed your faith instead of fueling your fears.

If you were to get the virus and you cannot even send a message to your family of faith, you’ll have to rely solely on God.  No pastor or priest can come to lay hands on you at this time (unless the person lives in your house).

As a result, while you are well, this is a great time to build up your faith in God.  The best way to do this is to daily dive into God’s Word.

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 ESV

Furthermore, the truth of God’s Word needs to make it from your head straight into your heart.  That is why meditating on God’s Word is so essential.  This step will make you the most prepared for the virus! When you have recovered, your faith will be stronger and you’ll have a great testimony.

Get your free “How to Memorize an Entire Book of the Bible” guide!

Alongside this, starve your fears by listening to or watching less COVID-19 news!

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3 ESV

Bonus tips from my mother-in-law:):

• Organize a separate “sick” room in your house if you live with others.
• Have a supply of disposable utensils (paper plates, cups, etc.) for the ill.
• Make other medical concoctions ahead of time and store appropriately.
• Ensure you have enough masks for the ill person. 

My mother-in-law knows how to really prepare for this virus!

Related articles:

7 Great Opportunities from This Pandemic 
10 Fantastic Ideas When You Are Stuck At Home

Summary

I’m hoping that none of you will get this dreaded Covid-19 virus.  But if you happen to get it, you can be prepared to comfortably and successfully recover from it.

What tips have you heard about from recovering people?  What have you done to prepare for the virus? Please share your thoughts with the Petals Bloom community.  We’re in this together!

Memorizing scripture can help you to meditate on scripture.  That practice has certainly helped my faith in God to grow and it can help you too. 

So, with this extra time on your hands, why not try to memorize large chunks of Scripture?  You’ll be a changed woman at the end of the isolation/lock down/quarantine!  

As such, get your free “How to Memorize an Entire Book of the Bible” guide today when you subscribe.  As a subscriber, you’ll also receive weekly email tips to help you to grow as a woman of God in every aspect of your life.  Life is truly an adventure with Jesus!

Additionally, I am aware that some of you may be worried sick about your life, your loved ones or your future.  If you need a listening ear and prayer, I invite you to email me. When you receive my welcome email, just shoot me a reply and let me know how you’re doing in all this madness.  Thanks for stopping by!

#madeforlove

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With love,

Kimberly Garth

Recommended books:

“Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose” by Rebekah Lyons

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