As I watch the world around me change, I feel empathy like never before. I have seen an increase in worry and anxiety across the faces of so many. ‘Hope deferred makes the heart sick”, proverbs 13:12. People in our nation and many across the world have lost hope and now their hearts are sick. The economy is at a standstill. Unemployment is on the rise. The future seems more and more uncertain at this pivotal point in history. It’s easy to get swept away in the currents of fear and end up adrift on an ocean of anxiety. Let me share with you the things I have been doing to cope and hopefully, a thing or two might help you.
1. Meditate/Pray
I have always been a praying person. However, I must confess that the pandemic has drawn me closer to God. It reveals more than ever the need to acknowledge that there is a higher being who is in control of this universe. It shows man’s vulnerabilities and incapability. Reading my bible, praying, and meditating has reminded me of the promises of God. Though the world seems upside down, He is still God in the midst of it all. His promises towards you have not changed. So between 5 am and 6:30 am, every day, I pray, study the bible and meditate. Recently, the Mayo Clinic concluded that “Most studies have shown that religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better health outcomes, including greater longevity, coping skills, and health-related quality of life (even during terminal illness) and less anxiety, depression, and suicide.” https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(11)62799-7/fulltext#:~:text=Most%20studies%20have%20shown%20that,anxiety%2C%20depression%2C%20and%20suicide.
2. Guard your mind
I am very intentional about what I allow into my mind. I am careful how much news I watch or read, especially first thing in the morning. When my phone rings, I look to see who is calling. If the conversation is likely to add some value to my day, then I answer. If not, I ignore the call.
3. Read/Listen Audiobooks
I listen to a minimum of three hours of audiobooks each day. My commute to work is one hour each way, so I use that time to listen to books. I also read at least one hour every night before I go to bed. I read self-developing books, business books, religious books, and sometimes novels. Reading helps me to think deeper and travel to places in my head I have never been before. Reading helps me to dream bigger and to maintain hope. Biographies motivate me and strengthen me as I read the lives of other successful people. A few good ones are Just As I AM, Cicely Tyson; This child will be great, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; and Start where you are, Chris Gardner. Reading helps me to pay less attention to the horror of this pandemic and to be more thankful for the life I still have.
4. Get Creative indoors
Recently I have been using the best china in the house. I use a saucer with my teacup, I drink wine from crystal wine glasses and eat from the best plates in the cabinet. (Mom has not bothered me about this surprisingly) I create menus like I am at a restaurant and dress up for my meals. After all, my shoes are dry rotting in the closet. I set up movie nights at home with my loudspeakers and computer on the balcony. I get chips and dips and popcorn just like I was at the movie. I search for comedies to keep me laughing and keep me in good spirits. I teach youth classes every Saturday evening and share videos, movies, etc. We even had a “Show and Tell night” on zoom.
5. Exercise & Swim
I run 2 miles at least 3 days per week and swim 2 hours at least 2 times per week. This keeps me active, and healthy. It also helps to get rid of stress. When you exercise, you have more oxygen-rich blood flowing through the body so your skin looks better and you are more energetic. Being active will also help you to fight against the virus, should you get it.
6. Pull out the games
Get the family together and play some games. Blast your music in the background and have fun. Use this time to draw closer to your spouse and children and other loved ones living with you. make sure they know how much you love them!
7. Do nothing days
There are those days I do nothing but play instrumental jazz music, light a scented candle and some incense, wrap up on my couch and do nothing! And guess what, I am okay with that. Those days are needed sometimes. Just don’t do it too often…. smiles.
“Anxiety is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you very far.”
—Jodi Picoult
Share with me in the reply section below how you are doing and ways in which you are coping.
P.S. If you or someone you know is interested in counseling, please reach out to us. We are here to help. Click this link to learn more and to get started.
