Lists to Cope

Of course, the crisis is painful, too. People are suffering physically and struggling mentally to deal with uncertainty and loss. Many are helpless in the face of lost wages and lack daily necessities.

On the other side, however, the hope. Heroic efforts every day from those on the frontline of the war against the virus: health workers, grocery shop workers, pharmacists, and also now military personnel and volunteers providing emergency necessities. A big thank you to all of them!

Most importantly, what is hopeful is that many of us endure the current crisis under much less drastic measures than would be required of us in other emergencies – war-like situations or earlier pandemics, where many of us would lack access to food or healthcare. Think about it. The solution for most of us is . . . ‘stay at home’. Isn’t that the easiest way to solve a global crisis while in many cases continuing to do our jobs (or at least in most cases, hopefully, keeping them)?

Whatever your situation, here are three lists and a myriad of resources that I hope will tide you over.

People. I am honestly overwhelmed by so many ways the social media world is boldly expressing empathy. I see friends helping the elderly buy groceries. WhatsApp is filled with people checking in on each other (and obviously some amazing memes).
Communities are helping spread right information and well wishes. Writers are talking about mental health, and giving ourselves time to cope [click here & here]. Outdoor communities have instructions and open discussions on how to limit but still enjoy our outdoor life.
The Workforce is not fully equipped, but employers are allowing increasing numbers of jobs to be fully done from home. The health and safety of employees has actually become a priority, and it is no more just a poster on some industrial floor. We have new funds available for helping SMBs, including from tech giants like Google.
Governments and organizations are trying their best. As you will have noticed, we have live information everywhere, updates and information corrections. We also have real awareness about who needs to be a priority.

So there. Hope.

1. If you are a developer, designer, writer/blogger:
a. Endcoronavirus.org
b. Hackathon(s)

2. Support low wageworkers in your community whose jobs are under threat.
a. If you want to help day wage laborers in India, here is a Swiss campaign started by ETH Zurich employees: Fight Hunger, Fight Corona. In addition, there is a further list of links for donations.
b. Support local artists (e.g. your violin teacher) - most of their events are cancelled. Check out inspiring solidarity campaigns at wemakeit.com.

4. If you are a student (especially in Switzerland): just support creatively.
a. Help your country’s health supply needs
b. Volunteer for your universities

5. And, read right information - check for fake news and correct it - inform and be informed.

The thing that keeps me most busy at the moment is: work (coding), and surprisingly also cooking
My favourite app is: Calm and Todoist
One book or movie I recommend: The secret network of Nature (book), Coherence (movie)
And if all else fails, my instant pick-me-up is: a quick Les Mills workout

Please find here Rhythima's blog about the Clean Energy Ministerial - Mission Innovation 2019 conference in Vancouver.