Day 8: It's Official.

We are on lock down, baby! It looks like the struggle has only begun. We were readily anticipating a stay at home order, but didn’t know when it may take place or how long it would last. Now we know. The order is to remain in effect starting March 24th at 5pm and last through April 10th. Eighteen days. This, of course, has me wondering if there is a chance restaurants will be able to open their dining rooms up a little earlier than expected, but I’'ll have to continue waiting patiently for that information.

The situation isn’t as severe as I had thought it would be. Liquor stores and Dispensaries are allowed to stay open as long as extreme social distancing practices are in effect. We are still allowed to go to grocery stores, and we are still allowed to run in the park and go on hikes. I am just hoping that people take the order seriously, so that further action isn’t taken, and so that things can get back to normal ASAP.

Last week, Hancock was apprehensive to implement a stay at home order unless issued by the state or regionally. But on Monday he said he saw things this weekend that changed his mind, including “loosely organized sporting activities” at parks, like volleyball and basketball, and picnics.
— Donna Bryson and Ana Campbell, Denverite.com

Upon hearing this information a little wave of anxiety rushes over me. We are in uncharted waters here. It feels like we are living out the plot of a horror movie! I’m starting to wish I hadn’t watched Bird Box right about now… According to The Denverite as of Sunday evening, 591 people in Colorado had tested positive for COVID-19, and six people have died. The Governor of Colorado, Jarid Polis, hasn’t issued a state-wide stay at home order yet, but he did say, “That while the state was not wielding enforcement authority to keep people at home, something else should motivate them: The Grim Reaper.”

On top of all of this madness I am feeling a little extra stress because my grandma isn’t doing very well right now. I talked to her on the phone today after her third dialysis treatment, and it was a little disheartening. I pray that she gets stronger and healthier soon. My heart goes out to everyone that is in the hospital right now since they aren’t allowed to have any visitors. Call your loved ones. What else is more important?

If anyone else is feeling a little stress or anxiety I have a few tips that really helped me! I did a relaxing, heart-opening yoga exercise, followed by a little upper body work out. The yoga practice focused on pranayama (the control of breath), which is super helpful when trying to calm those nerves! I love Yoga with Adrienne on youtube, and I’d highly recommend her videos for yogis of all levels! After a little strengthening of my arms and core I took Gypsy for an hour long walk. Getting outside of my house helped me get out of my head. The best advice I have to offer is to take this thing one step at a time. Like in the hit song, The Next Right Thing, from Frozen II says, “I won’t look too far ahead. It’s too much for me to take. But break it down to this next breath, this next step”.