Ah, quarantine life. Strange times. I’m still going to work as an essential worker because I work in healthcare, at a hospital,…as a clinical dietitian. On the one hand, I am grateful that I have job security, on the other hand, I am feeling anxious about the constant exposure between me and other people. Indeed, I would feel much “safer at home” if I could! However, like most people who unfortunately do not have the option to choose not to work (because they’ve been laid off/fired at this time) I also have bills to pay, and the world must keep spinning.
Looking on the bright side, I’ve been reflecting on this entire experience thus far. Things that I’ve taken for granted such as the great outdoors and nature, the only thing we had left (until they were packed and now entirely closed) allowed me some tranquility and wellness. I was going on hikes more often, when they used to be a passing thought or an elaborate grand plan that required extreme timing and collaboration with other people. Instead, I would just say I would go, and my roommate and I would literally just find a trail nearby and off we went! It was so simple. Now that there’s less options, it definitely reduces the complications of having to decide between many different choices that we have to deal with everyday. Traffic has been SO MUCH BETTER! I can actually time my commute now. The air quality is much improved. I’m spending less money because I’m actually eating my own food and not going out to eat.
It’s a weird time. Waking up to the news everyday can be really depressing and upsetting. Hopefully, everybody does their part by not doing anything – as in, don’t go out, don’t gather with others, stay in your safe zone! I’ve been listening to some Brene Brown recently, and there was a great quote by one of her guests and it was along the lines of “not showing up, is how I show up.” The less you do, the more it helps, especially for those of us who are still supporting those in the front lines. Because while I am not the one responding to the codes, patients who are admitted still need to be fed, they still need to be treated medically and nutritionally to maximize their chances of survival. People who cannot consume orally when they can’t even breathe require enteral nutrition or more likely, parenteral nutrition. That is why I am still at work and essential as a dietitian. The less people we need to treat means increasing the care that we can continue to provide for those who are already coming to us to receive care.
Harmonize with Food,
Kat