While many of us sit in our pajamas, binge Netflix, and try to come up with things to keep us busy, we forget that not everyone has the luxury of being bored right now.
I'll be the first to admit that quarantine isn't fun. But at the end of the day, I feel so grateful that I'm able to stay home and stay safe, while other, braver men and women are going to work to help their community.
This is no service to be taken lightly. If it weren't for the nurses, doctors, grocery store workers, restaurant workers, and other essential workers, we would all be in a much worse place.
So, consider taking some time out of your day to thank an essential worker. Whether it's literally just a message saying, "Hey, thanks for all that you're doing, I appreciate you!" Or, a grander gesture, essential workers deserve the positivity and gratitude right now.
If you want to do something to thank the essential workers, check out my suggestions...
Showing Appreciation for Essential Workers
Showing appreciation for essential workers doesn't need to be difficult.
Here are some simple ways to thank essential workers:
1. Write A Letter
Writing a letter is such an easy thing to do, and the impact it can have on someone's day is worth every second.
Take a few minutes to write some kind words out and mail it to a nurse you already know, or send it to a mailbox at your local hospital. If you want to get your little ones involved, have them draw a picture or write a message along with your note!
2. Pay for A Meal
While many of the essential workers are receiving hazard pay or other bonuses, many haven't been given any extra money. When you're just trying to get through the day, who wants to worry about affording to eat?
So, if you know an essential worker, offer to have dinner delivered on you for a night. Or, if you see an essential worker behind you at a drive-thru or in line at the grocery store, offer to pay (if you're financially able to do so).
3. Send A Care Package or Some Flowers
Each day is unpredictable, stressful, and draining for essential workers right now.
So, send them some flowers to say thank you for their efforts. That small gesture may be just the thing they needed after a tough day. Or, if you have the time and money, create a care package with treats, spa supplies, their favorite wine, or anything else you think they may enjoy!
4. Tip Well
If you are still using delivery or any other services that allow you to tip, tip well.
Even if your service wasn't the best, offer the most generous tip you can afford. Your delivery drivers are risking their own health and safety to bring your family dinner, so the least you can do is tip more than you normally would.
5. Be Kind
If you aren't able to do any of the other suggestions for financial or time reasons, this is one any of us can do.
JUST. BE. KIND.
I get it, everyone's tensions are a little high right now, however, that doesn't give you an excuse to be rude to restaurant workers, grocery store workers, or nurses.
Life is crazy right now and just like us, the essential workers are trying to adjust to it. If you aren't prepared to have a longer wait time at the store or drive-thru, stay home.
If you do go out, offer a smile or a thank you, because you never know what kind of day the essential workers you're interacting with are having.
6. Stay Home
This is literally the most important thing any of us can do for essential workers right now.
Unless you need to go out, please stay home. Essential workers are braving the storm to do their part, well, this is our part.
If we stay home we're helping flatten the curve, which is helping essential workers get one step closer to a normal life. In the end, this is really the most helpful thing we can do.
How Will You Thank An Essential Worker?
The ways we say thank you and show appreciation to essential workers don't have to be time-consuming and expensive. If you have the means, then sure, go all out!
If you don't, just be kind and stay at home whenever possible.