A Message from your Police Chief
As we begin another week under the cloud we call the Corona Virus or COVID-19, our lives have changed rapidly in many ways. As with any challenge, people will respond with both their strengths and weaknesses. We all have these, after all, we are only human.
For example, the lack of basic supplies may be a mere inconvenience to some. To others, such issues may constitute a real-life crisis. Some of us approach this situation in a pragmatic, logical manner while others may be extremely emotional and terrified.
Associated with all of this is the very real possibility for people to experience some form of added stress in their lives. We all know that stress is a day-to-day experience. Stress on the job and stress at home are old and familiar friends.
Today, we are experiencing something new and uncomfortable. One phrase continually tossed about is “a new normal”. It would be silly not to consider this a very real possibility.Stress has the ability to affect us in negative ways. Such a list is much too long to include here but suffice it to say that we may feel its effects in our professional and personal lives.
Stress also has both short and long-term effects. As everyday members of the human race we can experience stress-related difficulties that range from a simple, “I just don’t feel right” to a debilitating condition involving both mind and body.
Consider the following possibilities:
- Fear and worry about our own health and the health and well-being of our family and friends
- Changes in sleep or eating patterns and habits
- Difficulty sleeping, concentrating or making decisions
- Worsening of chronic health problems
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs, legal or illegal
However, we don’t have to fall prey to the potential ravages of a stressful time in our lives. In other words, there are things we can do to mitigate the effects of stress. Again, this is a lengthy list.
By way of example, some activities and techniques that will help us through these difficult times include:
- Take breaks from listening to, watching or reading the news
- Eat well-balanced and regular meals and engage in some form of regular exercise
- Get plenty of sleep
- Avoid over-use of alcohol or drugs
- Engage in enjoyable activities
- Go outside and enjoy the fresh air
- Connect with others and share your thoughts (not just the negative)
- Take time to unwind and consider the good things we do have
- Realize it’s ok not to feel “right”
No matter what the future may bring, it is important that everyone knows that all City services, no matter how effected by the present situation, are still here for every resident and visitor to the City of Franklin.
Important contact numbers and email addresses are available on-line and posted on City buildings for the public’s use.