We know times are a little scary right now, and you probably can’t open Instagram or Twitter without the word 'corona' staring you in the face. Of course, it’s important to stay informed but the influx of info (good, bad, real and fake) can get overwhelming.
So, we’ve put together a list of places we think can give you the best, unbiased information. We’ve also got some tips on how you could approach this, so that the internet doesn’t send you into an information spiral of doom (we’ve all been there)!
- Start positive. Get the possible start to your day as this can really set the tone for the day. Try making a nice breakfast, spend time with your family, go for your daily walk, meditate, etc. If you feel it can trigger you, avoid checking the news in the morning. In fact, try staying off social media for a while when you get up.
- Don’t believe everything you read. Of course, there are facts coming out about this situation by the minute, but there is also incorrect information and people basically trolling on the web to scaremonger. Check that the information you’re getting is from a reputable source or if it’s just gossip.
- Don’t feel guilty for not being super informed. There’s new information coming out almost constantly. As long as you’re following the government’s rules, don’t feel bad about not knowing everything there is to know about this.
- Switch off. This can be difficult as technology is such a big part of our lives, but taking some time away from your phone and spending it on yourself can do wonders for the mind.
- Don’t share if you’re unsure. That WhatsApp message might bring some shocking news with it that you want to share with your family and friends but it might also not be accurate. This sharing of viral information can then go on to worry others. Think before you share and check sources.
- Check out some positive news. It may feel like it right now, but it’s not all doom and gloom. Check out Positive.News, Tank’s Good News or Good News Network for some stories to make you smile.
Some helpful sources
- World Health Organisation - they’re providing a feed of rolling updates from all around the world, which includes the latest relevant tweets, videos and lots of other information.
- NHS - here you can check your symptoms and get the latest advice on what you should be doing in this situation. They also have a separate section for if you’re a healthcare professional.
- Public Health England - the latest government advice on things like staying home, travel, healthcare workers, etc.
- The Lullaby Trust - some tips on caring for your baby during this time.
- The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists - clear guidelines for pregnant women during this time.
- BBC - although the news is broad, they have a family & education section for parents, which is especially helpful if you’re home-schooling.
The Bluebell team is still going strong, working as hard as ever (from our homes), so feel free to get in touch if you’ve got any questions. Just like you, we’re social distancing, missing our friends and loved ones and our normal activities but we know that it’s for the greater good. We’ve got to stick together on this one.
We want to send our best wishes to our readers - we hope you’re staying safe and well. We also want to give thanks to those key workers: our friends in the NHS, teachers, shop, postal and transport workers, etc. You’re all doing a wonderfully courageous job.