A "Handful" of Tips to Manage Stress and Keep the Faith Amid COVID-19

Reigning in the Storm:  Equipping Saints to Address Mental Health

Last night, a friend posted an old familiar song on his Facebook page, “Time is filled with swift transition. Naught of earth unmoved can stand. Build your hopes on things eternal. Hold to God's unchanging hand.” In a time, when the news of the COVID-19 pandemic forces us to change the way we think about living, it is easy to imagine the worst things to come.  Our emotions may become overwhelmed with worry and fear. If we are not careful, anxiety and depression will seek to attack our hope and leave us in despair. But God!  We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future. 

In addition to following all the precautions for social distancing and hand washing, here are Five “R’s” that you can use to help manage your stress and remain mentally and spiritually strong.

1)     Rest Your Mind and Body – Since we are limited on going many places, take this time to rest. Try relaxing your body by taking deep breaths through your nose and letting it out slowing through your mouth. Let your mind focus on your breathing. If a worrisome thought interrupts your peace, let it float right back out and just keep BREATHING.  Stretching, exercising and eating a well-balanced diet are also best practices at this time.

2)    Rejuvenate Your Youth – Rather than scrolling constantly through social media updates, watching, reading, and listening to news stories all day, take a break and do something that brought you joy when you were younger. Draw, color, play jacks, badminton, sing, dance, or try teaching the kids how to hopscotch. These “feel-good” activities are sure to combat anxiety, bring laughter, and connect you with the ones you love.

3)    Re-connect with family and friends – When was the last time you talked with your childhood friend or chatted with an elderly relative or neighbor. Scroll through your phone and connect.  Encourage one another. If they start to bring your mood down, use this final tip to stay positive.

4)    Replace Worry with Meditation - Worrying leads to anxiety because we tend to overthink, re-think, and think again on things that have happened or things we fear will come to pass. 2 Corinthians 10:5 reminds us to take every thought captive. Just as the nudge of worry begins, try using the Word of God (scripture) and meditate on His promises – basically replace the fear with faith.

5)    Renew Your Faith - To be effective at replacing our fear with faith, we must take time to read and study God’s Word; and pray and commune with Him. Every day, we will grow stronger as our faith is renewed. 

Prayerfully, you will find this handful of strategies helpful. Should you find that you are more distressed and having a more difficult time coping, remember it is okay for Christians to talk with professionals who are trained to help. Right now, many mental health professionals are offering tele-mental health services, which means you can receive counseling from the comfort of your own home using your phone or computer. What is more exciting is this service is covered by most insurances. Contact your insurance company to find a provider in your network. If someone is in a crisis, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-374-8255 (TALK).  May we all be encouraged and remember to “Keep your Hand in God’s Unchanging Hand.”

 Leona Bishop, EdS, NCC, LPC-S