The pandemic is real, lots of us were affected directly and we are feeling anxious about our next move, are we going to allow the stress of the time in getting the best of us? Here are some ways we can combat the feeling of despair:
Pray…
God is listening. I firmly believe that God is with us, as close as we are to ourselves, and even closer. When I pray, I wait for God to reply, not always knowing how God will reply, but trusting that God will. When I pray for others, such as my mother who lives in another state, I know that they are with me in the time of prayer, as much as if they were in the same room. In God’s presence, we are all united.
Stay connected…
A friend of mine was being quarantined for 14 days, he had his phone with him, so I would call him up in the mornings and in the evenings when my workload slowed down. I would use Skype, Facebook and Instagram to keep him posted with what was going on in the real world, he loved it and kept him hopeful. I never really thought about it, but he told me that it was part of the process that kept him sane.
Reach out…
Not ill or self-quarantined? See what the neighbours need. We can still practise physical distancing by starting a group chat with the people on our block. When I could not go out, a friend of mine came by with some fruits, left it on the patio and it was the best feeling in the world, physical distancing doesn’t mean we have to isolate ourselves from our friends and love ones.
Be grateful…
There is always something for which to be grateful. Always. As I write this, both of my adult children are home with us, and healthy. I am grateful for the shared conversation, the shared meals, and for everyone’s health. Gratitude and Praise! I did a sermon on Sacrifice of Praise, makes sense doesn’t it?
Slow down…
I have often wished I had more time for contemplation. Be careful what I wish for! In all seriousness, however, more time to contemplate and watch the sunrise or look at a beautiful tree on the roof of my home. Taking the time to relax and watch a movie with my wife, we would get up each morning in a relaxed mood and just talk, I find it very therapeutic. Strategies for a Time of Pandemic.
Engage in meaningful work…
Many years ago I would watch a movie on a Saturday night with my dad, he loved the guy to death, Kong Fu. It was a series with a traveller who would go from place to place and what was important to him was balance. I am a therapist so have been putting energy into talking to clients through remote platforms, holding office hours, and finding creative new ways to help my clients to cope with the crisis. Even for those who are retired or otherwise not employed, tasks like baking, minor household projects that have been put off, or organizing photos into albums can be meaningful work. Once you know how to balance your life, you will prevent a certain level of stress in your life.
Love…
Love is contagious. It helps to tell the people whom we love, that we love them. How do you want to share the love today? Catastrophes have always touched people’s lives. With words and deeds of love, we can erase the fear from listening to the different theories that surround us. I love you is a beautiful thing to say when you mean it.
You may also like
