SOOOO…Has anyone else been feeling this overwhelm of emotions and thoughts lately? No doubt the world is doing the most and it’s been 3 much.. YES! YOU READ THAT CORRECT, THREE! If we aren’t walking on eggshells because of the covid-19 pandemic, we’re totally angered, sad and standing up for injustice due to racism – and rightfully so BTW! But how does one cope? How do we stay sane?! How can we stay grounded? Here are a few ways:
1. MAKE GOD A PRIORITY EACH DAY!
ALL DAY ERRYDAY! Just like exercise, our faith needs to be constantly and consistently worked on and exercised. At times, especially when things are going great in our lives, we tend to neglect our faith or put it as a second priority. And I get it! I have been guilty of this too but it doesn’t mean we should encourage it. Whether we are praying, reading / studying His Word or doing a devotional. It’s necessary.
I keep urging my loved ones to use this time very wisely. This is what I mean. Now, more than ever, we need to be in constant prayer and communion with God. How else are we going to gain the endurance to weather the storm now and even those yet to come?
2. SET HEALTHY BOUNDARIES for yourself
Recently, I was reminded of the importance of setting healthy boundaries. With so much information at our fingertips due to social media and the likes, added to our own personal situations from work, relationships and all that jazz…. WHEW! CHILLLDDD! I am sure the anxiety and stress of everything is probably at it’s highest for many of us. We all need to guard our space mentally and emotionally. Setting healthy boundaries can help with this. For you, this could mean stepping away from social media and news after a certain time each day – or perhaps for a few days at a time. Other healthy boundaries can look like you deciding to stop excessively working over hours at your job or staying away from that one friend that just wants to gossip all day.
Whatever area of your life that is compounding the stress of the current world climate, I suggest you take a step back, reflect and set up some healthy boundaries for your own mental health.
3. GET UP & GET MOVING!
Keeping fit and healthy is still sooooo important. While you are loading up on your vitamins and water during this pandemic, even if it’s 15mins, take that time to workout. Now that pandemic restrictions are being slowly lifted, it can be as simple as a walk or jog around your backyard! Just do it! Exercise is great to help you destress and keep that much needed balance. It’s cliche but your health is truly your wealth! Make it a priority to take care of yourself.
@simoneinspires
4. GET SOME FRESH AIR
The outdoors have an amazing way of quieting your mind and easing your stresses for a moment. This could mean going on hike or just sitting outside on your patio or by an open window and being still for a bit. Some evenings now, especially after a really long day, I literally drag my yoga matt outside and just lay there. I would just stare at the sky and embrace every moment of the breeze, the chirping of the birds and the rustling of the leaves on the tree. SO FREAKIN’ THERAPEUTIC! I use to sporadically do this as a kid and for some reason I stopped. It’s amazing how life right now is forcing us to take a step back and appreciate the simpler things. That’s life for you!
5. PICK UP A HOBBY!
Having a hobby will allow you to use your time productively and help establish balance. I can attest to this. For me recently, this has been sporadically colouring, baking or being in the kitchen, trying a new recipe for something. I’ve seen many people start planting which is quite therapeutic as well. So why not start that thing you’ve been curious about for a while? Let me know in the comments, what hobbies you’ve picked up recently or are curious to start.
6. talk it out!
Whether with a loved one, a therapist or God himself, it helps! Letting out the emotions and having uncomfortable discussions, with those we can trust, is great!
In a case where you really do not have a loved one to go to, then consider journalling. Journalling can be effective, especially if you are more of a writer than a talker. You can just let it all out on paper instead of sitting with all these thoughts in your mind. Therapy is also helpful to most. Honestly no shame in that! There is even online therapy now and christian based therapy! We all have issues and sometimes this is needed.
And of course, just go to God with your situation! Many times during prayer I have wound up just venting to God about my worries and stresses and asking Him for guidance. With worry and anxiety it can definately be difficult at times to give it to Him and move forward but remember, nothing is too big or too small for God to handle.
7. BE PRESENT IN THE joys of life
Whether it is spending time with family or loved ones or trying a new hobby, LEARN TO BE PRESENT! I have had moments where I am doing fun things or spending time with my loved ones and my mind is just filled with all these frivolous thoughts – “How much time do we have left?” “I hope we aren’t too late” . Each time this happens, I would never be able to fully enjoy the very things that were suppose to be fun or relaxing. Now, I have to make a conscious effort to refrain from all the anxious thoughts, relax and just be in the moment.
Life is so short – while we are anxious and worried about our plans for the future and about all these things in our life, we are forgetting to just be present with those that matter most and in the things that bring us joy. The book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible is a great book to remind us of how short life is and what really matters in this life, – a few verses read:
So go and eat your food now and enjoy it. Drink your wine and be happy. It is all right with God if you do these things. Wear nice clothes and make yourself look good. Enjoy life with the wife you love. Enjoy every day of your short life. God has given you this short life on earth—and it is all you have. So enjoy the work you have to do in this life.
Ecclesiastes 9:7-9 (ERV)
@simoneinspires
What have you been doing to keep you sane during all this global chaos? Comment below!
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As always, to God’s blessings, prosperity, faith, happiness and love!
Simone Inspires 