The world is reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. Around the world, routines have been wrecked, lives are at stake, and every day brings new challenges.
What can we do to reduce stress when so much is beyond our control?
We can start by recognizing what is still in our control, and focus on those things. Here are a few ideas:
- Just as you guard against germs, guard what goes into your mind. Consume news in small amounts. Get the facts you need, but don’t subject yourself to an ongoing onslaught of information and news about the virus. Same thing goes for social media.
- Spend time in God’s word. Read verses and sections of the Bible that show God’s faithfulness, power, and mercy. The gospels are a great place to start.
- Establish a routine. Get up at the same time each day, shower and do those getting-ready things you would normally do. Have a few activities planned right away. Do these regularly to establish a “norm”.
- Stay active. Physical activity helps our bodies in many ways. One way it helps is by reducing stress. Extra points if you can get outside into the sunshine for some vitamin D!
- Along the same lines, try to eat nutritious foods. Uncertainty can drive us toward comfort foods and unhealthy snacking. Set a reward day so you have something to look forward to. Example – Friday night I’ll celebrate a week at home by having one of those treats I hid from the kids.
- Laughter is good for you! How about joke night with the family? Board games, anyone? Do a puzzle. Read books. Sing. Dance. Call up friends and family and play together.
- Find ways to create social experiences, even when you can’t be physically present: church online, co-working online, sing from the balcony, or pour your favorite cup and have a video-call coffee date with a friend.
- Pick up a new hobby or learn something new. Many museums, zoos, and symphonies are offering their online content free for the world in quarantine. There are tons of online classes, and many of them are free.
- Remember God’s faithfulness in the past to encourage yourself in the present. David in the Bible strengthened himself by recalling God’s history of kindness and love and faithfulness.
We’re so thankful for you! Our prayers are with you during this time – and if you have a specific need you’d like us to pray for, drop us an email and let us know.
‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’
– Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT)