About 2 weeks ago, my colleagues and I were released to go home on unpaid leave, at this time the reality of the effects of the pandemic became real for me. We run a training center reaching the unemployed youth where we give skill-based learning and offer job placements. Being a learning institute we were affected directly by the government’s directive of shutting down learning institutions.
I had mixed emotions; happy to get some deserved rest since I was feeling a little weary, but anxious because somehow my plans were on hold because of the pandemic. I am a planner, so when I feel a bit anxious I set out to make plans within what’s in my control. The Holy Spirit has begun to unfold the endless possibilities of what I could do with the time I had at home.
The difficult season can bring anxiety, worry, and despair especially when you think of the harsh reality of diverse negative effects on the economy, sustainability, and progress for you, your family, and the nation. As much as we cannot control everything that happens to us, we however can control how we respond.
I want to share with you 10 ways you can use to kill the anxiety bug being brought on by the pandemic, of course apart from self-quarantine and observing personal hygiene. Ready?!
1. Have a routine!
A routine might be something fun to some but completely dreadful to others, but it’s necessary for our productivity and particularly our mental health. Our brains are designed to function well when we have a consistent routine. Try and keep to the routine you had before the whole pandemic situation. It might not necessarily work the same way but try and incorporate what you usually do, wake up at almost the same time, if you have children guide them to have similar reading schedules. Try and schedule breaks as well.
2. Work on your self-growth!
This is an ideal time to grow your spirit and feed your soul. Soak yourself in hours of worship, prayer, and the word of God. Spending some time alone is a great way to reflect and realign your values and goals. Take a personal development online course, for example, one that Wired Global is offering called the Confidence Revamp challenge.
3. Have a great support system.
Even though we are in isolation, we don’t function well as human beings when we are completely cut off from human interaction. I would advise that you take this time and stay with family, if not possible make sure you call and talk often. Stay in touch with some close friends who can constantly check up on you, pray with you, and offer emotional support during this time. Don’t allow yourself to zone out alone, you can fall prey to depression and anxiety from the devil.
4. Spend wisely!
As much as you’re not moving around, you might be tempted to overspend by ordering stuff online that you don’t need just to fill the lonely void or to pass time. Have a budget for your immediate needs, list them down, buy them at once if possible, and keep reminding yourself that you need to think of the future. Manage your resources effectively planning for the tough economic times ahead. The Bible says, ‘Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding’ Proverbs 4:7. Ask God for wisdom on how to steward the resources well during this season.
5. Stay away from negativity!
There is so much negative information out there, especially on social media pages. You might get caught up in reading through posts on Facebook not realizing that you’re shaping a negative mindset. Be intentional in reading positive content, don’t spend all of your time on social media but engage your mind with great positive content such as reading and meditating on the Word, and reading inspirational books. Philippians 4:8 ‘Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.’
6. Grow a talent or skill.
We all have some talents that have been left on the back burner due to our crazy schedules. Take time and re-ignite an old talent or start to develop a current one. E.g. cooking, crocheting, painting. Take time and grow your knowledge on a particular subject within your career by taking an online course, did you know Harvard has awesome free online courses?!
7. Eat healthily and keep fit.
Am not sure whether you had an exercise routine but am sure you were more active when you were going to work every day. Due to changes in routine and environment, we can lose focus on taking proper care of our bodies and start adopting unhealthy habits of sleeping late, unhealthy snacking, and lack of exercise or body movement. Make sure you keep eating healthy and prepare healthy snacks to have in the house such as granola, yogurt, and fruit salad to keep munching on when you feel hungry. Keep your body active by doing some homemade stretches and exercises.
8. Build new ideas around your business, work, or family growth.
When you take time and relax, your mind is free to think of new innovative ideas. Schedule time to think in the day for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour and jot down on your notebook or iPad. Remember you’re just giving yourself the freedom to think, the planning and execution will come to you much later on.
9. Help someone in need!
As much as we should observe social standing and focus on protecting ourselves and our families, there are many people out there that can’t afford a meal a day. You can’t help everyone but am sure you can help at least one person or one family. Look around, begin with your neighbors or church family members, reach out, and share what you have. You will be helping them as Jesus commands us to do but you will also feel great in the process!
10. REST!
The situation the world is facing today didn’t take God by surprise. God still has an amazing plan for you and He will accomplish it even in these difficult times.
‘I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ Isaiah 46:10
Choose to cast all burdens to God in prayer, ask for what you need and receive His peace in your heart. Constantly choose peace and rest in God’s love. More than that, take up activities that will relax and calm you down, like a homemade- face mask, watching a movie, or taking a bath with some natural salts. Do a self-care activity at least 2 times a week.
Do you have any more ideas you would like to add? I would like to hear from you. Join the 3-week Confidence Revamp challenge and focus on your personal growth.
