Congressman Ryan: Connecting Online, Getting Outside

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio’s 13th Congressional District is hanging tough. You can learn more about the Congressman at his website.

What are some ways the COVID-19 outbreak has changed your work life?

While I have only been back to Washington, D.C., a few times to vote, I have been working around the clock. I have been introducing legislation, handling constituent casework, assisting small business owners and fulfilling my committee duties all from my home in Warren.

How about your personal life?

Like a lot of people, I have been working from home. My wife, a first-grade teacher at Seaborn Elementary in the Weathersfield School District, is working from home also. We have three children – two in high school and one five-year-old – so it can be chaotic. But I have to say, it has also been nice to share more time together and have family dinner every night.

What steps are you taking to hang tough?

Sometimes it really helps just to get outside and get a run in — or work in the yard when the weather is good. This Ohio spring refuses to warm us, but once it does, and we can do more outdoor activities, I think everyone will feel better. I am also a big proponent of meditation. I think finding a little space in your day to quiet your mind and slow things down can be incredibly helpful for anyone.

What advice are you sharing with the people you love?

In the short term, I have been telling everyone of the continued importance of staying safe. As the economy opens up, along with restaurants and other places we frequent, we need to continue to use social distancing, wear masks and follow safety guidelines.  

For our longer-term health, I believe we need to eat the right kinds of food, exercise and spend some time working on and keeping mentally healthy. That can mean yoga, meditation, quiet music and connecting with others. We are social beings, and so we need to work at communicating and spending time with others — even in this time of social isolation. Thankfully this can be done today through video and phone calls.  

What is an average day like for you during this time of social isolation?

I am trying hard to serve my constituents in new ways. For example, every day at 4 p.m., I have jumped on Facebook Live to answer as many questions as I can. In addition, I have been doing Zoom meetings with students, teachers, constituents, small business owners and elected officials. I have been invited to give a few virtual graduation speeches and I am very excited about that.

I am still working with my Congressional colleagues and looking for new ways to solve problems. Additionally, I keep in close contact with my staff who are working with constituents on a daily basis trying to make sure that they get the federal benefits that they are entitled to get.